The Russian troops that had taken control of the Melitopol TV tower began broadcasting Russian TV channels, the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration reports.
They cite the Melitopol City Council and sources in the Security Service of Ukraine.
“The SSU sources report that the occupants installed their equipment on the Melitopol TV tower and began broadcasting russian TV channels,” adds Oleksandr Starukh, head of the RSA.
Local residents confirmed the information about the broadcast of russian channels in the city to IMI.
Updated at 17:50: The State Special Communications Service clarified that the broadcasting of Russian channels is not carried out from the Melitopol TV tower, but with the help of another transmitter.
“No digital TV transmitter on the TV tower in Melitopol is currently operating. Broadcasting in Melitopol is carried out using an analog transmitter located outside the TV tower, to which the Concern of Radio Broadcasting, Radio and Television has no relation,” the statement said.
The Russian troops seized the Melitopol TV tower on February 28.
The occupiers also seized a TV studio and TV centre in Kherson, disabling the Ukrainian TV signal. It was reported on March 4 that Russian forces had begun broadcasting 24 Russian TV channels and 3 radio channels in Kherson via T2.
IMI has been chronicling Russia’s media crimes against Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion on February 24.