KYIV – The mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk in western Ukraine urged residents on Thursday to keep away from public gatherings this weekend, or go away the town if they'll, for worry of Russian missile strikes.
His announcement adopted warnings by Ukrainian officers that Russia may step up its offensive in Ukraine earlier than Might 9, when Moscow commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World Struggle Two.
Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv mentioned in a video posted on-line that he had cancelled all official occasions in Ivano-Frankivsk on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
“We now have sure data, the enemy sadly needs to conduct additional missile strikes, subsequently on the seventh, eighth, and ninth there received’t be any public occasions, together with prayers,” he mentioned. “On your security, I urge you … on these three days to remain at residence … or out of city in case you are in a position.”
He cited no proof for the assertion that there may very well be missile strikes and gave no particulars of the “data” he referred to.
Russia didn't instantly touch upon his remarks. Moscow has denied concentrating on civilians and has mentioned its navy actions in Ukraine are usually not tied to a particular date.
The Kremlin has dismissed hypothesis that President Vladimir Putin may declare battle towards Ukraine on Might 9. He characterises Russia’s actions as a “particular navy operation”.
Ukraine’s defence ministry mentioned on Wednesday Russia was making an attempt to speed up its offensive within the east of the nation, however a Ukrainian presidential aide mentioned on Thursday he didn't count on Russia to realize any “vital outcomes” by Might 9.
In an extra signal of unease in Ukraine earlier than Russia marks “Victory Day”, native authorities within the southern metropolis of Zaporizhzhia mentioned a curfew can be enforced from 7 p.m. on Might 8 till 5 a.m. on Might 10.
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