Kyiv’s local government has issued a warning about mysterious symbols that have been appearing on Ukrainian buildings.
Ukrainian buildings are being marked with mysterious symbols thought to be singling them out for attacks by Russian forces. As Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, sources in Kyiv have claimed that Russian forces and pro-Russia saboteurs have been marking buildings to prepare for a major aerial assault.
The government has joined the mayor of Kyiv and the mayor of Rivne in western Ukraine in encouraging residents to be on the lookout for the symbols that have reportedly started appearing since Russia invaded Ukraine last week.
Pictures shared on Twitter showed large red crosses daubed onto a number of buildings in Kyiv including a few high-rise apartment blocks. Some of the symbols are only visible under UV light, according to reports.
The local government of Kyiv wrote in a post on Facebook: “The city authorities are asking the residents of high-rise buildings, who have access to the roof access, to urgently check the roofs for signs. If any marks are found, please cover them with earth or cover them with something.”
Calls from the capital were echoed by the mayor of Rivne, western Ukraine, Alexander Tretyak, who wrote on Facebook: “Urgent announcement! I ask the heads of condominiums to close all attics.”
“If you or the occupants of the house notice in the entrance, on the roof, near the houses of unknown persons, the mark of the label immediately inform law enforcement. URGENTLY inspect your roofs, in case you find marks, paint them and close the access to the roofs,” he added.
Footage shared on Twitter appears to show a chilling flashing transmitter to have been captured from the Russians by Ukraine forces. The caption reads: “Footage of the device that is used by Russian saboteur units in Ukraine. The light-emitting object has been retrieved by Ukrainian forces.”
“These are beacons that are used for either airstrike, artillery strikes, or for the landing of Russian troops. Tags on wood can be either painted or covered with reflective tape.”
Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv, confirmed that the symbols could be target indicators over the weekend. The mayor tweeted: “City officials are urging citizens to immediately report tagged locations, submit photos to law enforcement, and report suspects who may be involved in tagging. Labels are placed to adjust the fire of the occupying forces of the Russian Federation.”
Russia used similar attacks during its military assault in Syria alongside Kremlin ally Bashar al-Assad. Military leaders told civilians to leave cities before carrying out heavy aerial bombardment alongside forces of the Assad regime.
The warning came as Russian forces advanced on Ukraine’s capital city, with satellite images showing a deployment of Kremlin armed forces over three miles long approaching Kyiv on Sunday.