Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine reached its seventh day. The Russian army claimed possession of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson on Wednesday. The provincial capital, strategically placed on the Dniepr River, was the largest city to fall to Russian forces so far.
In televised statements, defense ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov said, “The Russian divisions of the armed forces have taken the regional center of Kherson under full control.”
He claimed that public transportation and public services were working normally.
“The city is not experiencing shortages of food and essential goods,” he continued.
He said the Russian army and local authorities were in talks about maintaining order, protecting the population, and keeping public services running.
Igor Nikolayev, the mayor of Kherson, wrote on Facebook: “We are still Ukraine. Still firm.”
He stated he needed to “collect the (bodies of the) dead” and “restore electricity, gas, water, and heating where they are damaged,” apparently contradicting the Russian army’s assertions.
“But I warn you right away: to complete these tasks today means to perform a miracle,” he added.
Last Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered forces to invade pro-Western Ukraine to “de-militarize” and “denazify” the country.
Konashenkov stated on Wednesday that the Russian military had damaged over 1,500 military facilities in Ukraine. They have also destroyed 58 planes, 46 drones, 472 tanks, and other armored vehicles.
Over 450,000 people have left Ukraine to Poland, with a further 113,000 fleeing to Romania.