KYIV, Ukraine – The mayor of Ukraine’s capital is imposing an intensified curfew as Russian troops press in on the city.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said on the Telegram messaging app that he is extending the curfew hours to run from 5 p.m. until 8 a.m.
“All civilians on the street during the curfew will be considered members of the enemy´s sabotage and reconnaissance groups,” Klitschko said.
The curfew imposed two days ago previously lasted from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m.
Russian troops pressed toward Ukraine´s capital Saturday after a night of explosions and street fighting sent Kyiv residents seeking shelter underground.
The country’s leader refused an American offer to evacuate, insisting he would stay. “The fight is here,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said according to AP.
It was not immediately clear how far Russian troops had advanced. Ukrainian officials reported some success in fending off assaults, but fighting persisted near the capital. Skirmishes reported on the edge of the city suggested that small Russian units were trying to clear a path for the main forces.
Russia claims its assault on Ukraine is aimed only at military targets, but civilians have been killed and injured during Europe’s largest ground war since World War II.
A missile struck a high-rise apartment building in the city´s southwestern outskirts near one of Kyiv´s two passenger airports, Mayor Vitali Klitchsko said, leaving a jagged hole of ravaged apartments over several floors. A rescue worker said six civilians were injured.
