PRESIDENT Zelensky has sent a strict warning to all civilians this weekend ahead of Russia’s planned Victory Day celebrations.
Ukrainian officials have warned that Russian forces may escalate missile and air strikes over the weekend.
In his late-night address, President Volodymyr Zelensky called on citizens to “strictly follow the public order and curfew regulations” in their communities.
Zelensky said: “I ask all our citizens – especially these days – not to ignore the air raid sirens,” he said. “Please, this is your life, the life of your children.”
He added that residents are banned from visiting forests in formerly occupied territory because “a great threat of mines and tripwire mines left after the Russian military remains there”.
“Be sure to comply with the ban,” Zelensky reminded Ukrainians.
The news comes as, Vladimir Putin’s Russian forces have been accused of violating a ceasefire at the Azovstal steel works – killing one Ukrainian fighter and wounding six others.
Mariupol authorities have also accused Russian troops of firing at a car involved in the evacuation efforts.
Mariupol city council said in an online post: “During the ceasefire on the territory of the Azovstal plant a car was hit by Russians using an anti-tank guided weapon. This car was moving towards civilians in order to evacuate them from the plant”.
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