Ukraine’s capital bans Independence Day festivities

Gulf Today Report

Ukraine authorities have banned public celebrations this week commemorating independence from Soviet rule in the capital Kyiv, citing serious threat of Russian attacks in the coming days.

Russians could try "something particularly ugly" on the independence anniversary, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned.

The authorities said that potential targets are civilians, and that Russia is "taking a step forward redoubling its efforts to launch attacks against civilian infrastructure and government structures.

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In the capital Kyiv, organisers have called off public events related to the independence anniversary from Monday until Thursday.

Even though the capital is far from the front lines, Russian missiles could reach Kyiv.

Ukrainians visit an avenue, where destroyed Russian military vehicles have been displayed in Kyiv. File/AP

In Kharkiv, a northeastern city that has been the target of frequent and deadly long-range artillery and missile strikes, Mayor Ihor Terekhov announced an extension to an overnight curfew to run from 4pm to 7am effective from Tuesday to Thursday.

In the port of Mykolaiv near Russian-held territory to the south, regional governor Vitaliy Kim said authorities planned a precautionary order for residents to work from home on Tuesday and Wednesday and urged people not to gather in large groups.