Unknown people kidnapped Beryslav mayor Oleksandr Shapovalov in the Kherson region. They took away the official in an unknown direction.
The Kherson news agency "MOST" reported about it, citing activists.
"Most likely, the Russians took him to Nova Kakhovka, where he will be forced to cooperate with the occupiers," the source said.
A similar case happened in the Kharkiv region. There, the occupiers kidnapped Mykola Sikalenko, the head of the Tsyrkuny village, said Oleh Synehubov, the head of the RMA.
"According to witnesses, the occupiers abducted Mykola Vasyliovych from his own house and headed in the direction of Lyptsi. Together with law enforcement officers, we are investigating all the circumstances and doing everything to find and return Mykola Sikalenko," the head wrote in a telegram.
Synehubov reminded that it was not the first time the occupiers had resorted to abductions and put pressure on civilians. A few days ago, the Russians had abducted the head of the Velykyy Burluk community in the Kharkiv region. Fortunately, Viktor Tereshchenko was released.
Update. The Kherson RMA confirmed the abduction of Beryslav mayor by the occupiers. It reported that the Russians kidnapped Oleksandr Shapovalov and another local activist at about 11:00 am on Saturday, 19 March.
"They have been in captivity for three days. Yesterday, the occupiers allowed Oleksandr Mykolayovych to call his relatives and calm them down. The man has heart problems due to complications after a severe coronavirus disease. His relatives are worried about Oleksandr Shapovalov's health," the statement said.
The Kherson RMA added that the exact whereabouts of the Beryslav mayor and other prisoners is unknown. The rashysts are most likely holding them in Nova Kakhovka.
Last week in the Kherson region, the occupiers abducted Skadovsk mayor and his deputy. Oleksandr Yakovlev later said that the Russian had "talked to" him and released him.