Ukraine: Wounded 12-year-old now enduring picture of Russia – Zelenskyy

Russia solidifies rule in occupied territories

Kremlin-installed officers in occupied southern Ukraine celebrated Russia Day on Sunday and started issuing Russian passports to residents, as Moscow sought to solidify its rule over captured elements of the nation.

In one of many central squares in Kherson, Russian bands performed a live performance to have fun Russia Day, the vacation that marks Russia’s emergence as a sovereign state after the collapse of the Soviet Union, in keeping with Russia’s state news company RIA Novosti.

In the neighbouring Zaporizhzhia area, Moscow-installed officers raised a Russian flag in Melitopol’s metropolis centre.

Ukrainian media reported that few, if any, native residents attended the Russia Day festivities within the two cities.

Russia Day was additionally celebrated in different occupied elements of Ukraine, together with the ravaged southern port of Mariupol, the place a brand new metropolis signal painted within the colors of the Russian flag was unveiled on the outskirts and Russian flags have been flown on a freeway main into town.

The Russia-aligned administration in Melitopol, in the meantime, began handing out Russian passports to those that utilized for Russian citizenship. 

RIA Novosti posted video of a Moscow-backed official congratulating new Russian residents and telling them: “Russia will not go anywhere. We are here for good.”

(AP)