The Head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration Hennadiy Lahuta commented for Facts ICTV what was happening in the region, localities of which were temporarily occupied by the Russian invaders.
According to him, despite the difficult situation, everyone has his heart set only on victory and liberation of Kherson region. Hennadiy Lahuta also told when he left Kherson, explained why he did not appear in the media for a long time, commented on how many people were detained by the occupiers and how the region now lives.
About occupation
Hennadiy Lahuta said that as soon as the Russian occupiers had captured Kherson, he and his deputies had indeed left the city because there had been a threat that the invaders could quickly crack down on local authorities. Then they could no longer help the people of Kherson.
– As soon as Kherson was captured, my deputies and I left the city. To all those who took it negatively, I tell only one thing: I do not think it would be better if I found myself in the basement or near the wall (i.e. was killed, – Ed.), – he explained.
Hennadiy Lahuta also told why he did not appear in the media for some time. According to him, after the occupation of Kherson, local authorities were forced to work, in fact using guerrilla methods. Therefore, only information that was safe to publish was provided to the media.
But the Head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration assured that both then and now he is in constant contact with the President’s Office, the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of local administrations, the Security Service and the police of Kherson region.
About the number of detainees
According to Hennadiy Lahuta, since the beginning of the Russian invasion in Kherson region, 32 officials have been abducted, including heads of territorial districts and deputies of various levels.
Of these, 18 people have already returned home, 12 more are in captivity, two are under home maintenance. Also in Kherson region, hundreds of civilians, activists, journalists,and public figures are held captive by the invaders. The final information on the number of prisoners is being updated.
About providing medicines
Since the Russian troops occupied the Kherson region, there has been no possibility for the state to deliver humanitarian aid, including medicines.
The occupiers do not give a green corridor for this. Therefore, as Hennadiy Lahuta explains, the situation with medicines is difficult, but volunteers are still trying to import them.
About collaborators
Hennadiy Lahuta said that he was currently aware of criminal cases against Kherson collaborating blogger Kyrylo Stremousov and Kherson City Council deputy Volodymyr Saldo.
The Head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration also added that there were still facts of collaborationism, but the Security Service of Ukraine is currently working on it.