Russian forces block exit from Melitopol

Russian forces have blocked the exit from the temporarily occupied city of Melitopol following a morning explosion near the city's commandant's office.

Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov said this during a nationwide news telethon, Ukrinform reports.

"The enemy has blocked the exit from the city, and is carrying out total filtration at the entrance. They even undress men," the mayor said.

Fedorov also added that on Tuesday, August 16, the invaders' television broadcasting had stopped due to explosions. Currently, residents of Melitopol have only one option to receive Ukrainian news - via VPN.

Earlier reports said that early on Wednesday, August 17, an explosion rocked the center of the temporarily captured Melitopol, near the invaders' "commandant's office."