One person has died and six were wounded as a result of “intensified” shelling in Ukraine’s southern city of Mykolaiv, according to the city’s Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych.
“In recent days, shelling has intensified. Just half an hour ago, we were fired upon again. They shoot all sorts: mostly cluster munitions, which are aimed at killing people,” Sienkevych said Friday.
Speaking on national television, Sienkevych urged residents to stay indoors during the curfew and hide between two walls to try to protect themselves.
“Yesterday, three people were injured; one unfortunately died,” he said. “Yesterday, people came out at curfew. It is necessary to understand that the curfew is not for walks. And today three more people were injured.”
Mykolaiv remains without a central water supply after a missile damaged the main pipeline early last week. The city has organized water distribution with trucks as well as additional well drilling in busy areas, Sienkevych added.
Russian forces have stepped up attacks in the regions of Mykolaiv and Kherson, as the Ukrainian armed forces called the assault in the country’s southern region more “aggressive and bold” on Sunday.
Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine , said Friday that Moscow “has announced its plan for the second phase of the war. They think they can capture Donbas and the south of Ukraine, counting on the economic pressure of our state.”
The acting commander of Russia’s Central Military District said Friday that Russia had expanded its military goals to control southern Ukraine.
Yermak added, “We have our own scenarios for the defense of Ukraine and I’d like to remind that many of the Kremlin’s plans have already been destroyed by our army and people.”
