The Russians have taken control of Cherson.

The Ukrainian authorities reported Thursday morning that after heavy fighting the Russians took control of Cherson. Mer of Ihor Kolychaev reported that in the building of the city administration he spoke to representatives of the Russian forces to ask that "people should not be shot" - AFP reports.

The head of the Kherson Oblast of Hennadi Łahuta called on the Telegram the inhabitants of Chersonia to stay home because "the merchants (Russian) are in all the districts of the city and are very dangerous".

"We have great difficulties in collecting and burying bodies of victims, supplies of food and medicines (...), providing assistance in accidents," said Kolyjaev.

He assured that in talks with representatives of Russian forces he did not "make any promises", he also informed about the introduction of a night curfew.

Wednesday evening Kolyjaw said the Russians were on the streets of the city and paved their way to the town hall. Shortly thereafter, the Euromaidan PR portal reported that there are fighting on the streets of Chersonia, and Ukrainian territorial defence forces are trying to take back the city.

Earlier on Wednesday, Russian forces announced that they had taken over the city, which was denied by Ukrainian authorities.

Source: PAP