The occupiers move heavy weapons in the direction of Kherson – Mayor of Melitopol

UKRAINSKA PRAVDA — TUESDAY, 26 JULY 2022, 12:59

Ivan Fedorov, the mayor of Melitopol, reported that the Russian forces have moved about 80 pieces of equipment towards Kherson.

Source: Fedorov on Telegram

Quote from Fedorov: "The occupiers are transferring heavy military equipment. 3 convoys - about 80 pieces of equipment - passed through Melitopol in the direction of Kherson."

Details: The mayor added that the Russians are not allowing people to leave the temporarily occupied territories and want to use them as human shields. In particular, there are more than 5,000 people at the checkpoint in Vasylivka.

Residents of Melitopol are being threatened by the occupiers, who say that should the locals leave, they will blow up the infrastructure and burn down the houses.

Background:

• Analysts from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that the invaders in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Oblasts were strengthening their positions in anticipation of a counteroffensive by the Ukrainian army.
• Local authorities advised residents of the occupied Kherson region to leave Kherson Oblast, and those who could not should prepare for hostilities.