Today, 27 February 2022, there was a video published on social networks, where the Mayor of Kupyansk, Kharkiv region, Gennadiy Matsehora, publicly stated that the Russian occupiers had taken control over the city.
The video is published on the website of the City Council.
Matsehora said that he had held negotiations with the military of the Russian Federation and handed the city over to the aggressor due to threat of an attack.
"Today I received a call from the battalion commander of the Russian troops suggesting negotiations. If refused, the city would be attacked with all the consequences. I made the decision to negotiate in order to avoid human casualties and destruction of city infrastructure that we would not rebuild in a life time .. We discussed the actions of the military, who set a goal - to enter the city ... They (Russians, - ed.) convinced me that this will not affect the life of the city. The schools, kindergartens, hospitals, grocery stores will stay open... I made this decision, all the responsibility is on me. I stay in the city, "Matsehora said.
He also said that the city was left without support.
"There are only my subordinates, district police department and myself" the Mayor added.
Matsegora was elected as Mayor of Kupyansk in 2020 as the OPZZh representative.
The Head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration Oleh Syniehubov said that today Kupyansk district prosecutor’s office of Kharkiv region opened criminal proceedings against Matsehora according to Part 2 of Article 110, Part 1 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code (treason). The criminal proceedings was transferred to SSU (Security Service of Ukraine) for further pretrial investigation.
"While soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are heroically defending the borders, the Head of the Kupyansk, Kharkiv region was negotiating with the enemy. The consequences of such actions could be irreparable. Our position is defined: Ukrainian children will study only in Ukrainian schools! We will not give enemy any community of Kharkiv region! ", - the head of Regional State Administration wrote in a telegram channel.
Let us remind you that since 24 February 2022 Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military units continue to eliminate Russian occupiers across the country. As of 22 February 2022, the Russian army had lost 4,500 personnel, 27 aircraft, 26 helicopters and 150 tanks.