35-Hour Curfew: Ukrainian Forces Retake Part Of Kyiv As Residents Shelter Underground

Ukrainian military forces report they have taken back a key suburban area of Kyiv on Tuesday as the battle continues with Russian forces over the capital city.

The conflict continued overnight as residents were told to shelter underground or at home as part of a 35-hour curfew that extends until Wednesday morning, according to the Associated Press.

“Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has announced a new 35-hour curfew for the Ukrainian capital from later on March 21,” Radio Free Europe reported.

“The former boxing champion said in a statement on Telegram that the curfew will begin at 8 p.m. local time on March 21 and last until 7 a.m. on March 23,” the report added. “Klitschko said shops, pharmacies, and gas stations would not open on March 22. Parts of the city have come under fire repeatedly from Russian forces.”

East of Kyiv, the mayor of Boryspil is urging residents to flee the area if possible.

“There is no urgent need to be in the city at the moment. Fighting is already raging around the region. I appeal to the population, be smart and leave the city if you can,” Boryspil mayor Volodymyr Borysenko said in a video statement posted to Facebook, CNN reported on Tuesday morning.