Kakhvoka mayor, Vitaliy Nemerets, said he had to temporally leave the city, due to threats from Russian occupation forces.

The mayor, who moved to Ukraine-controlled territory, said he did so to avoid collaboration with the occupation.

‘I believe [having] a dead mayor or a mayor [held] in the basement will do no good for the community.’

Nemerets stressed that any attempts to remove him from the office would be unlawful and a long shot for Russia as it can be done only by vote among the council representatives.

He also expressed his support for the mayors of Tavriysk, Hola Prystan, and Mylivsk who were abducted by Russian aggressors.

‘I believe that, very soon, I will be able to work alongside you in liberated Kakhovka,’ added Nemerets.