Ukraine Russia Conflict: Kyiv mayor urges citizens to stay inside during Russia’s Victory Day

Vitali Klitschko, mayor of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, has urged citizens to stay inside from 8-9 May around Russia Victory Day. Moscow will celebrate  9 May as the anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the Soviet Army’s victory over Nazi Germany.

“If anyone would like to go lay flowers, they can do so in private ... Pay attention and follow wartime security rules,” Mr Klitschko said. “I also ask you not to ignore the air alarm signals and immediately take cover. In the coming days, there is a high likelihood of missile shelling in all regions of Ukraine. Be aware and take care of your own safety!” he warned.

Meanwhile, Russia on 24th February launched its invasion of Ukraine. And, according to the latest updates, Evacuation operations are continuing from the besieged southern city of Mariupol with 40 civilians rescued on Friday, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed in his latest national address. Three evacuation buses left the besieged Azovstal steel plant in the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol on Friday, according to Russian media reports. However, the latest US military aid package to Ukraine, announced by president Joe Biden on Friday, is worth $150m. Germany will also send seven self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, on top of five artillery systems the Dutch government has already pledged, the German defence minister, Christine Lambrecht, said. Also, the UK government has said it will give Ukraine 287 mobile generators in addition to 569 generators it had donated earlier.