The Iron Fist doctor, heavyweight champion, never officially retired from professional boxing and was never defeated by KO. His body is a weapon at close range, and that may be the reason why he strives to be approachable and friendly, even in these circumstances, when a good part of the city he manages still lacks heating and electricity has become a very scarce commodity.
His hands, which are three times the size of any other adult's, serve to exemplify the unity of Ukraine's allies against Russia: "This finger has very little strength on its own. And this one. And this one... But if I close my hand and bring them together in my fist, I turn it into a powerful tool."
What is the situation of the city after the repeated Russian attacks on the energy infrastructure? How many people are still without heating or electricity?
After the attacks, around 6,000 residential buildings - almost half of the city - were left without power or heating. We have managed to restore the supply up to four times, but the last attack was extremely severe, and the thermal power plant was completely destroyed.
More than 1,000 buildings are still without heating because we do not have enough resources to rebuild the plant. We are talking about between 300,000 and 400,000 affected people.
Europe is preparing a large loan of 90 billion euros for Ukraine to withstand the next two years. Can the city and its inhabitants endure all that time? We have no choice but to resist.
At the beginning of the war, many experts said we would only last days or weeks, and it has been over four years.
We are defending our homeland against one of the most powerful armies in the world. Russia has not achieved the objectives it initially intended, but now it is trying to present a peace that actually resembles a surrender as a compromise.
We want peace, but a lasting peace, with clear security guarantees, both against Russia and with the support of our Western allies.
Does the city have enough anti-aircraft ammunition to protect itself from Russian missiles and drones?
No. There is a shortage of anti-aircraft ammunition and missiles for our defense systems. It is one of our main current concerns.
Will there be elections if a ceasefire is reached? Do you consider running as a candidate?
International reporters always ask me that question, and I admit that it bothers me. As long as the war continues, elections are not possible because they would divide the country at a critical moment. Only one person can stop this war: the one who started it, Vladimir Putin. The priority is to preserve the sovereignty and existence of the Ukrainian state. Only then will there be room for elections, but this is not the time for personal political ambitions.
President Zelensky has invited Donald Trump to visit Ukraine. Could he convince him to increase support for your country?
A visit from Trump would be a very strong signal to the world. In Ukraine, not only our destiny is decided, but also the future of Europe and democracy. If this war is not stopped here, it can spread beyond Ukraine.
Europe is rearming in the face of the Russian threat. What can European cities learn from the experience of this war-torn capital? Ukraine acts as a containment zone between Russia and Europe.
If Ukraine falls, that border will shift westward. No one imagined a war of this magnitude in Europe in the 21st century. My message to Europeans is not to underestimate Vladimir Putin: he will go as far as he is allowed to go.
How do you envision the city's reconstruction in 10 years?
Reconstruction is not just about buildings or roads.
The key will be the reform of the State: fight against corruption, judicial reform, decentralization, and modernization of administration.
If we want to be part of the European Union, we must complete these reforms. Our greatest treasure is not the buildings, but the people. Many citizens now live abroad - in Spain alone, there are around 700,000 Ukrainians - and they will return if there is peace, work, and decent living conditions.
The population is tired after four years of war. Do you have hope?
No one can predict how long the war will last. I am not Nostradamus. But there is a clear principle: only the strong are respected.
We must stand firm on the front and within the country, alongside our allies. Only then can we stop this war.
As a former boxing champion, in what round of the fight is Ukraine?
It could end at any moment, but it could also drag on. It all depends on unity.
One finger is weak, but together they form a strong fist.
The unity between Ukraine and Europe makes us much stronger.
What message would you send to Europeans who believe this war is far away?
Thinking that this war will not affect Europe is a mistake. The war in Ukraine is a threat to the entire continent and the world. We must all do our best to stop it.