After a long night of Russian attacks on the city’s outskirts, Mayor Vitali Klitschko was unable to answer a question about plans to evacuate civilians if the Russian troops took control of Kyiv.
He finally stated, in English, “We can’t accomplish that because all the ways are blocked.” “All roads are blocked, and right now we’re encircled — everywhere are Russians and there is no way to evacuate them. Everyone who was planning to evacuate has already left.
Although the AP could not immediately confirm the mayor’s claim that Kyiv had been surrounded, his spokesperson tweeted later that the mayor had misspoken.
Klitschko later changed his mind and stated on Telegram that Russian Internet publications had spread information referring to him that Kyiv was allegedly surrounded, making evacuation impossible. Don’t believe in lies Don’t trust information from other sources than official ones.
The capital of Ukraine, with 2.8 million inhabitants, reacted initially with concern and a bit of self-possession to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Thursday. Nerves began to fray when grocery stores closed and the famously deep subway system made its stations bomb shelters.
According to the mayor, nine civilians were killed in Kyiv so far, one of them a child.
The Klitschko-ordered curfew was to be in effect from sundown Saturday through Monday. He stated in a clear statement that anyone outside during this period could be considered a “saboteur”.
Klitschko stated, “We are hunting the people, and it is much easier if no one is on the street,” adding that six Russian saboteurs had been killed Saturday night.
Although the Russian troops have advanced on the city slower than most military experts expected, the overall Russian military advantage has been well-known.
“I just spoke to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president. Klitschko stated that everyone is feeling not so well and added that the shock was not depressing for city employees. “We display our character, knowledge, and values.”
After authorities made it possible to freely distribute arms to anyone who was willing to defend the capital, there were long lines of people waiting in the streets to get weapons. However, there are concerns about arming nervous civilians without military experience, despite warnings from Russian saboteurs masquerading as journalists or police.
Klitschko stated, “To be truthful, we don’t have 100% control.” “We constructed this territorial defense system in a very short time, but these are patriotic people.”
He said, “Right now the most important question it to defend our country.”
Klitscho was asked about the city’s ability to replenish its dwindling stock of food and medicines. However, Klitscho’s perspective changed.
He said, “We are at risk of a humanitarian disaster.” “Right now, electricity is available, and water and heating are available in our homes. The infrastructure to transport food and medicine is now destroyed.”
In the same breath, he rallied as the former world heavyweight boxing champ.
He stated, “That’s why everyone needs to support Ukraine together…we are strong.” “Every Ukrainian is proud of being independent, proud to call themselves Ukrainians, and proud to call themselves Ukrainians.
