Hero Mayor Killed Delivering Aid Near Kyiv
The town of Hostomel, just outside Kyiv and home to a crucial airfield at the heart of the fighting, has been rocked by tragedy. Yuri Prylypko, the local mayor, was shot dead while handing out bread and medicines to residents caught in the crossfire. Alongside him, two others – Ruslan Karpenkom and Ivan Zore – also lost their lives.
The Hostomel council hailed Prylypko as a hero, saying he “died as a hero.” But with the war ongoing, they warned a funeral can’t be held immediately.
Boris Johnson Slams Putin’s ‘Repugnant’ War Tactics
At a Downing Street press conference, Boris Johnson didn’t hold back. The Prime Minister accused Vladimir Putin of “plainly doubling down” on his brutal military strategy in Ukraine. Johnson warned civilians must brace for further attacks on residential areas.
“He has decided that he is going to continue with an all-out onslaught on centres of habitation in a way that we think is utterly repugnant. It’s clear that we’re going to have to do more,” Johnson declared.
He vowed tougher sanctions on Moscow and stressed the need for the global coalition to cut reliance on Russian energy, seeking alternative supplies elsewhere.
Ongoing Shelling and Civilian Evacuations Near Kyiv
- In the Kyiv suburb of Irpin, Russian shelling continues. Yet 2,000 residents have escaped via a makeshift bridge.
- Hostomel council reports Mayor Prylypko’s death during aid distribution amid fierce fighting around the strategic airfield.
- Further south, Mykolaiv faces artillery strikes targeting residential zones. The city is a key point between Crimea and Odessa.
Mariupol: Civilians Trapped Amid Devastation
Tens of thousands remain trapped in Mariupol, the battered southern port city, suffering without power, food, or water. Survivors told AFP of “bodies everywhere.”
Taking Mariupol would give Russia a direct land corridor from Crimea to the pro-Russian regions of Luhansk and Donetsk – a strategic prize in the bloody conflict.
