The Russian militaries are setting up base on the outskirts of Melitopol on the territory of a local military airfield. As Melitopol City Mayor, Ivan Fedorov, informed in his daily video address, the invaders conduct missile attacks across the whole territory of Ukraine from this base.
"As of today, the Russians are building their military base there; also launch missiles that hit the cities in the Zaporizhzhise region and Ukraine in general. And of course, this is a hazardous location because all these missile systems will be destroyed. Therefore, the Russians deliberately put the civilian population in danger by making them hostages and human shields in wartime, " - says Fedorov.
The territory of the airfield is close to the urban area; during the first day of the invasion, this airfield was a target to massive shelling by RF troops from the air.
Fedorov also said that together with the central authorities, he continues to make inquiries to the Russian side demanding the opening of a humanitarian corridor in Melitopol, as the humanitarian situation in the city "is on the verge of disaster."
On 16 March 2022, Fedorov was released from Russian captivity.