The mayor of Kyiv and the head of the Ukrainian Cities Association, Vitaliy Klychko, called for the international organizations, especially those supporting democratic self-government powers, to react to the kidnapping of the mayor of Melitopol by Russian occupants. He addressed this issue on social media.
“I want to bring attention of all the international organizations, all the Associations of Mayors in democratic countries, to the brutal actions of the Russian occupants. Yesterday they kidnapped and detained Ivan Fedorov, the mayor of Melitopol. They occupied the city and then left the citizens without their chosen leader, in order to paralyze normal city operation. This was done in an attempt to demoralize local citizens and make them surrender. This is clearly an act of terrorism. Russia is attempting to wipe out Ukrainian leaders who were legally elected and who are protecting the interests of the civilian population. Because it is mayors of cities and villages who assure continuing operation of institutions on the occupied territories, who arrange delivery of humanitarian help, evacuation of peaceful citizens from the territories where our enemies continue to fire, bomb and kill,” - popinted out Klychko.
He is sure that Russian forces are trying to ruin the administrative powers of Ukraine to provoke chaos.
“These orcs felt the bravery and strength of the Ukrainians, who fight for their land. So now they attempt to cause chaos by ruining the administration powers. Several days ago the head of Gostomel, Yuriy Pilipko, was killed while delivering food and medication to people. But you will not make Ukrainians surrender. Ukrainians are not afraid, just look at the occupied cities where unarmed people organize meetings against occupants. We will not surrender and together we will prevail,” - announced the mayor of Kyiv.
Klychko also informed that preparations for Kyiv defense are going on non-stop.
“The capital, with all the attacks and fights so close, is getting ready to defend itself. We continue to strengthen block posts. We create reserves of food, medications and basic supplies. We also ensure that the critical institutions of the city operation continue to function,” - he said.
Klychko pointed out that the capital continues to assist with evacuation of population from nearby towns.
“For the third day in a row, Kyiv is assisting the Kyiv region in the evacuation of civilian population from Gostomel, Bucha, Vorzel, Irpen. The city supplies passenger transport - buses. Kyiv rescue forces meet people at the train stations. And everyone who wants to leave Kyiv is being assisted to reach the Western Ukraine by trains,” - concluded the mayor.