Russian military intensifies pressure on the local population in the temporarily occupied parts of Zaporizhzhia region — Mayor Fedorov

The Russians have increased pressure on the local population in the temporarily occupied parts of the Zaporizhzhia region.

Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov said this in a commentary to Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty Ukrainian bureau.

He said that Russians had intensified searches of locals after a powerful explosion in Melitopol.

On July 13, Russian special forces banned people from leaving the village of Pryshyb and spent several hours searching the houses of residents.

In this way, the Russian military is trying to find the resistance forces that remain in the occupied territories of the region. 

"For a year and a half [of occupation], they have not been able to put out the resistance. That's why they are doing it today demonstratively," Fedorov said.

Over the past week, "demonstrative" nighttime searches have also become more frequent, with Russians waking up all the residents of a house and taking someone out with their hands tied a few hours later. The Russian military considers any Ukrainian symbols in any apartment to be terrorism.

Photo: EPA