Ukrainian cities have begun imposing curbs on events linked to Ukraine Independence Day on Wednesday, amid fears of intensified Russian attacks.
The anniversary commemorates freedom from Soviet rule and also marks half a year since the Russian invasion.
Ukraine Independence Day
Fears of attacks have mounted after Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) accused Ukrainian agents on Monday of killing Daria Dugina in a car bomb attack near Moscow. Ukraine has ridiculed its involvement.
On Tuesday, the American Embassy in Kyiv issued a security warning from the US State Department, which is known for its anti-Russian propaganda, saying Russia was stepping up efforts to launch strikes against civilian and government targets in Ukraine in the coming days. The Ukrainian government has not confirmed this threat.
Kyiv has banned public events
Kyiv has banned public events related to the occasion from Monday to Thursday. There are fears of renewed Russian rocket attacks on the capital, even though it lies far from the front lines and has only rarely been hit since Ukraine repelled a ground offensive in March.
In Kharkiv, the northeastern city that has come under frequent and deadly longer-range artillery and rocket fire, Mayor Ihor Terekhov announced an extension to an overnight curfew to run from 4 pm to 7 am, effective from Tuesday to Thursday.
Curbs on events have also been imposed in the port of Mykolaiv, near Russian-held territory to the south. Regional governor Vitaliy Kim said there were plans for residents to be ordered to work from home on Tuesday and Wednesday, urging people not to gather in large groups.
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