According to the Interfax news agency, Russia’s defense ministry announced its soldiers have “liberated” the whole region of Kherson in southern Ukraine.

According to a Ukrainian regional military official, the Russian army has installed new regional administration and municipal council leaders.

Hennadiy Lahuta wrote on Telegram, “Yesterday, the occupants took the offices of the Kherson city council, removed all Ukrainian emblems, and replaced their guards.”

Ihol Kolykayev, Kherson’s mayor, has stated that he will not cooperate with the administration installed by Russian soldiers.

“I remain in Kherson and I am with Kherson residents, who over 18 months ago entrusted me with managing our city,” he said on Facebook.

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