Ukrainian city warns of Russian missile strikes before war anniversary

FILE PHOTO: A monument of poet Ivan Franko is covered with sand bags for protection, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, April 6, 2022. REUTERS/Yuriy Rylchuk

KYIV (Reuters) - The mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk in western Ukraine urged residents on Thursday to avoid public gatherings this weekend, or leave the city if they can, for fear of Russian missile strikes.

His announcement followed warnings by Ukrainian officials that Russia might step up its offensive in Ukraine before May 9, when Moscow commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.