As Russian tanks approached the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukrainian civilians are being encouraged to make Molotov cocktails in order to take out invading Russian troops.
The country’s Ministry of Defence urged its citizens by social media to make the homemade petrol bombs. They also asked residents in Obolon, a northern district of the capital, to share information with Ukrainian military about the movement of Russian vehicles and troops.
In a post from the verified Twitter page of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, it said: ‘In Obolon… We ask citizens to inform about the movement of equipment! Make Molotov cocktails, neutralise the occupier! Peaceful residents – be careful! Do not leave the house!’
It comes as US intelligence suggests Russian troops will arrive in Kyiv today and are now fighting in the outskirts of the city. They have also warned of a plan to seize an airport near to the city, fly in troops, and ‘decapitate’ the government.
Anton Herashchenko, an adviser to the country’s interior minister, said Friday will be the war’s ‘hardest day’ as Russia armour pushes down from Chernihiv – to the north-east of the capital – and Ivankiv – to the north-west – in an attempt to encircle the city, where President Volodymyr Zelensky is still holed up.
For detailed up to date information, the Kyiv Independent is filing regular reports from the scene.