Russian forces occupying much of Kherson in southern Ukraine are attempting to expand their control over the territory and erase its Ukrainian character.

They’ve achieved small gains on the battlefield, with the Ukrainians admitting to losing land in the northwest, in the direction of Mykolaiv.

Russian authorities have been chosen to run Kherson in recent days, replacing elected Ukrainian officials. Kherson will start using the ruble next week, according to one of the newly installed authorities, and the Ukrainian currency, the hryvnia, would be replaced within four months.

Furthermore, Russian television stations have supplanted Ukrainian networks.

One of the Ukrainian members of the regional council in Kherson has now accused Russian forces of intimidating educators.

“Either give us the keys and paperwork, or we’ll send you ‘to rest’ in the basement,” Serhii Hlan claimed the occupiers’ message to principals had been plain.

“This is what the Kakhovka school administration is hearing from the occupants,” he stated.

Several protests against Russian military deployment have taken place in Kakhovka.

According to Hlan, the Russians ask that all educational equipment be turned over.

“Russians are ruining Ukraine’s educational system by threatening personnel and intimidating principals. They want to keep two schools in the city [open] in all; the destiny of the others is unknown “the official said.

“The employees are terrified. They didn’t go; instead, they stayed in the occupied regions and secured the school’s assets “Added he.