Jump to content

Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Kappasi (talk | contribs) at 10:31, 18 August 2022. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Zaporizhzhia military–civilian administration
Запорожская военно–гражданская администрация
Military occupation
Flag of Russia used by the Zaporizhzhia Oblast State Administration
Flag
Coat of arms of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast State Administration[1]
Coat of arms
Occupation zones in Zaporizhzhia Oblast
(Ukraine  ; Russia  )
Occupying powerRussia
Southern Ukraine offensive24 February 2022
Administrative centerMelitopol[2]
Government
 • HeadYevhen Balytskyi
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Area code+7
Websitezapgov.ru
Russian control of Ukraine as of 3 August 2022

The Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast is an ongoing military occupation, which began on 24 February 2022, as Russian forces invaded Ukraine and began capturing the southern portion of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. On 26 February, the city of Berdiansk came under Russian control, followed by the Russian victory at Melitopol on 1 March. Russian forces also laid siege and captured the city of Enerhodar, which is home to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which came under Russian control on 4 March. The capital of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Zaporizhzhia, has not been taken by the Russian army and remains under Ukrainian control.

In May, Russia started offering passports in those regions.[3] In July, Russia issued a decree which extends Russian 2022 war censorship laws to Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and included as punishment deportation to Russia.[4]

It was reported that Russia had plans to hold referendums in autumn for Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Kherson Oblast to join the Russian Federation.[5][6]In July 2022, Yevgeny Balitsky, signed an order for the Central Election Commission of Zaporizhzhia to begin the investigating the possibility of a referendum for the region to join the Russian Federation. [7] On the 8th July, a forum ran by We are with Russia group adopted a resolution proposing the holding a referendum. This was endorsed by the military–civilian administration.[8]

Occupation

Berdiansk

On 26 February 2022, Russian troops captured the Port of Berdiansk and the Berdiansk Airport.[9][10] By the following day, the Russian military had taken full control of the city.[11][12]

Beginning on 14 March,[13] the port was used as a logistics hub by the Russians to support their offensive in southern Ukraine and in particular the siege of Mariupol. On 21 March, Russian media Zvezda reported on the arrival of amphibious transports in Berdiansk. A Russian navy officer described it as "a landmark event that will open logistical possibilities to the Black Sea Navy".[14]

On 24 March, Ukrainian forces launched an airstrike against the Alligator-class landing ship Saratov, which was destroyed and sunk, and one of the two Ropucha-class landing ships took damage but was able to leave the port.[15][16] At the time, it was the heaviest naval loss suffered by Russia during the invasion, and one of Ukraine's most significant successes.[17][18]

Melitopol

Ivan Fedorov
De jure, Ukrainian-recognised Mayor of Melitopol
Yevhen Balytskyi
De facto, Russian-installed Mayor of Melitopol

On 1 March 2022, shortly after the city's capture, citizens of Melitopol held a street protest against the military occupation of the city. The protestors marched and used their bodies to block a convoy of Russian military vehicles.[19][20]

On 10 March, the director of the Melitopol Museum of Local History, Leila Ibragimova, was arrested at her home by Russian forces, and was detained in an unknown location.[21] One day later, Melitopol's mayor, Ivan Fedorov, was abducted by Russian troops for refusing to cooperate with them and continuing to fly a Ukrainian flag in his office.[22] Russian authorities did not comment on Fedorov's disappearance, but the prosecutor's office of the Russian-backed self-proclaimed breakaway state (located within Ukraine) Luhansk People's Republic accused him of "terrorist activities".[23]

On 12 March, the Zaporizhzhia Oblast regional administration stated that former councillor and member of Opposition Bloc,[24] Halyna Danylchenko, was appointed as acting mayor.[25] Former People's Deputy of Ukraine Yevhen Balytskyi was alleged to be de facto in control of the city's government by the Security Service of Ukraine.[26][27] Meanwhile, hundreds of people took part in a protest outside Melitopol city hall to demand the release of Fedorov.[23] Olga Gaysumova, head of the non-governmental organization "Conscientious Society of Melitopol" and the organizer of local protests against Russian forces, was arrested.[28] On 13 March, the Melitopol City Council declared that, "The occupying troops of the Russian Federation are trying to illegally create an occupation administration of the city of Melitopol."[24] It appealed to the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, Iryna Venediktova, to launch a pre-trial investigation into Danylchenko and her party Opposition Bloc for treason.[24] Ukrayinska Pravda reported that the Russian military had abducted Melitopol's District Council Chairman Serhiy Priyma and had tried to abduct City Council Secretary Roman Romanov.[29] Meanwhile, Russian military vehicles were seen announcing via loudspeakers that rallies and demonstrations had been prohibited and that a curfew was imposed from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am.[30] On 14 March Ukrayinska Pravda reported that Russian forces had prevented new protests by blocking of the central square of Melitopol.[31] It also said "Two activists were abducted and taken away in an unknown direction."[31]

On 16 March, Fedorov was freed from captivity. Some Ukrainian officials said he was freed in a "special operation".[32][33][34] Zelenskyy's press aide Daria Zarivna however later said he was exchanged for nine Russian conscripts captured by Ukrainian forces.[35]

On 23 March 2022, Mayor Fedorov reported that the city was experiencing problems with food, medications, and fuel supplies, while the Russian military was seizing businesses, intimidating the local population, and holding several journalists in custody.[36] On 22 April, Fedorov said that over 100 Russian soldiers had been killed by partisans during the occupation of the city.[37]

Enerhodar

On 4 March, the city of Enerhodar and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant came under a Russian military occupation.

Oleksandr Starukh, the governor of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, stated on 5 March that Russian forces had left the city after looting it and the situation in the city was completely under control of local authorities. However, Orlov denied the report and stated that Russian forces still occupied the perimeter of the city and the power plant, with local authorities still managing the city.[38] The Ukrainian military administration for the southeast confirmed on 7 March that Enerhodar was under control of Russian forces.[39]

On 6 March, the IAEA released a statement saying that Russian forces were interfering in the operations of the power plant, stating that "any action of plant management—including measures related to the technical operation of the six reactor units—requires prior approval by the Russian commander," and further stating that "Russian forces at the site have switched off some mobile networks and the internet so that reliable information from the site cannot be obtained through the normal channels of communication".[40] On 9 March, Herman Galushchenko, Energy Minister of Ukraine, claimed that Russian forces were holding the workers at the power plant hostage and had forced several to make propaganda videos.[41]

Administrative divisions

According to the occupation administration, the Zaporizhzhia Military-Civilian Administration is divided into 5 districts including Berdiansk Raion, Melitopol Raion, Polohy Raion, Vasylivka Raion and Zaporizhzhia Raion.[42]

Control of cities in the Oblast

Territory control in the Zaporizhzhzia region
Territory control in the Zaporizhzhzia region
Section 'Zaporizhzhia Oblast' not found

See also

References

  1. ^ "«Новые власти» Запорожской области заявили о введении рубля и стремлении войти в состав РФ. Об этом же говорили в Херсонской области". Meduza (in Russian). Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  2. ^ "Russian proxies plan vote in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region on joining Russia". Reuters. 8 June 2022.
  3. ^ Chernov, Mstyslav (27 July 2022). "Putin expands fast-track Russian citizenship to all Ukraine". ABC. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  4. ^ Psaropoulos, John (21 June 2022). "Russia resumes eastern Ukraine offensive and expands war aims". Al Jazeera Media Network.
  5. ^ N/A, N/A (16 July 2022). "Russia plans to hold referendums in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts on 11 September Ukrainian intelligence". Yahoo News. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  6. ^ France-Presse, Agence (16 July 2022). "Ukraine's occupied Zaporizhzhia eyes Russia 'referendum' in autumn". Firstpost. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  7. ^ https://english.pravda.ru/news/world/153503-zaporizhzhia_russia/
  8. ^ https://zapgov.ru/press-center-news/v-regione-nachalas-podgotovka-k-provedeniyu-referenduma-po-vossoedineniyu-s-rossiej/
  9. ^ Шагабудтдинова, Эльмира. "Власти Бердянска заявляют о том, что вражеская техника заняла территорию бывшего аэропорта". 061.ua – Сайт города Запорожья (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  10. ^ "Military vehicles of Russian Federation occupy territory of former Berdiansk airport". Interfax-Ukraine. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  11. ^ "Ukraine crisis: Russian forces enter Sea of Azov port Berdiansk – report". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  12. ^ Yulia Zakharchenko (28 February 2022). "Бердянськ захопили бойовики, у Харкові та Сумах – тиша: Арестович про ситуацію в Україні". Fakty i Kommentarii. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  13. ^ Trevithick, Joseph. "Russian Amphibious Ships Arrive In Captured Ukrainian City". The Drive. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  14. ^ Santora, Marc. "Ukrainian forces claim to destroy a Russian landing ship". The New York Times. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  15. ^ "Russian military ship destroyed in Berdyansk, Ukrainian Navy claims". CNN. 24 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  16. ^ "Ukraine conflict: Large Russian ship, the Orsk, destroyed by Ukrainian military - reports". The Scotsman. 24 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  17. ^ Filseth, Trevor. "Ukrainian Attack Sinks Large Russian Landing Ship". The National Interest. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  18. ^ "Ukrainian Attack Sinks Large Russian Landing Ship". Seven News. 25 March 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  19. ^ "Russia-Ukraine conflict: Singing protesters throw themselves in front of Russian armored convoy in Melitopol". Global News. 1 March 2022. Archived from the original on 1 March 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  20. ^ "Shots Fired In Ukrainian City As Locals Protest Against Russian Occupation". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 2 March 2022. Archived from the original on 5 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  21. ^ "In occupied Melitopol, invaders kidnapped a deputy of regional council". Rubryka. 10 March 2022. Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  22. ^ Alan Cullison; Alexander Osipovich (11 March 2022). "Russian General Is Killed in Ukraine as Airstrikes Intensify". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  23. ^ a b War in Ukraine: Russian forces accused of abducting second mayor Archived 13 March 2022 at the Wayback Machine, BBC News (13 March 2022)
  24. ^ a b c "Міськрада Мелітополя називає в.о мера від окупантів державною зрадницею". Українська правда (in Ukrainian). 13 March 2022. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  25. ^ "New mayor installed in Russia-controlled Melitopol after the Ukrainian city's elected mayor was detained". CNN. 12 March 2022. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  26. ^ "Що відомо про депутата Євгена Балицького, який співпрацює з окупантами" [What is known about the deputy Yevhen Balytskyi, who cooperates with the occupiers]. Zaporizhzhian Investigation Centre (in Ukrainian). 25 March 2022. Retrieved 1 May 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  27. ^ Lotareva, Anastasiya; Zakharov, Andrei (1 April 2022). "Экс-"регионал", бухгалтерша и горный инженер: кто стал новой властью на оккупированных украинских территориях" [Ex-regional, accountant and mining engineer: who became the new government in the occupied Ukrainian territories?]. BBC (in Russian).
  28. ^ Irina Znas (13 March 2022). "Российские оккупанты похитили организаторку протестов в Мелитополе". Dzerkalo Tyzhnia (in Russian). Archived from the original on 13 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  29. ^ "У Мелітополі триває терор: окупанти викрали голову райради". Українська правда (in Ukrainian). 13 March 2022. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  30. ^ "Окупанти заборонили мелітопольцям мітинги, ті відповіли традиційно: агресор - нах#й". Українська правда (in Ukrainian). 13 March 2022. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  31. ^ a b "Russian occupying forces block people's protests in Melitopol – Media". Українська правда. 14 March 2022. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  32. ^ "Melitopol mayor freed after kidnapping by Russian forces". news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  33. ^ "Captured Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov rescued by Ukrainian forces: Report". Washington Examiner. 16 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  34. ^ Карловский, Денис. "Мэра Мелитополя освободили из плена русских". Украинская правда (in Russian). Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  35. ^ "Ukraine swapped nine Russian soldiers to free detained mayor". Reuters. 16 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  36. ^ "Melitopol mayor accuses Russians of seizing businesses in the city". CNN. 23 March 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  37. ^ "Mayor claims partisans killed more than 100 Russian soldiers in occupied Melitopol - KyivPost - Ukraine's Global Voice". KyivPost. 22 April 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  38. ^ "Российские войска покинули Энергодар: последствия обстрелов (уточнено)". Gazeta.ua (in Russian). 5 March 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2022.
  39. ^ "Ukraine after 11th night of war: Mayor killed, towns taken, Moscow promises civilian corridors to Russia". Baltic News Network. 7 March 2022. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  40. ^ "Russian forces interfering at Ukraine nuclear plant: IAEA". Al-Jazeera. 6 March 2022. Archived from the original on 6 March 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  41. ^ "Russian soldiers 'torturing staff' inside Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant". news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
  42. ^ "Информация о Запорожской области".
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Russian_occupation_of_Zaporizhzhia_Oblast&oldid=1105068362"