From January 1, 2023, the Russian invasion forces seek to ban circulation of the Ukrainian hryvnia in the temporarily occupied territories. That’s according to Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov, who spoke on the air of Espreso TV, Ukrinform reports.
"Also, we see trends that they (invaders - ed.) are plotting more repression. They said that from January 1, the circulation of the hryvnia will be completely prohibited, and those who will keep the hryvnia will be deemed public enemies. Each resident of Melitopol has hryvnias at home so each could be accused of treason," Fedorov said.
According to the exiled mayor, the people of Melitopol are forced to exchange their hryvnias for Russian roubles at an extremely unfavorable rate.
He added that, after each successful attempt by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to eliminate occupiers or their collaborators, another round of terror against the civilian population begins.
After the destruction of the Russian military HQ, filtration measures targeting the local population intensified in the city. Mobile phones and cars are being checked, people are being detained, Ukrinform reports.
