According to Ukrainian sources, a conductor of the Kherson Philharmonic was shot dead in his home by Russian soldiers for refusing to cooperate. Yuriy Kerpatenko was “brutally” killed for refusing to “cooperate with the occupying forces,” Ukraine’s culture ministry said on Saturday.
According to media reports, the occupiers and their Philharmonic Orchestra staff had planned a festive concert in Kherson on the occasion of World Music Day on October 1, the ministry said.
Conductor refused to leave town
With the concert, the Russian representatives wanted to demonstrate “the alleged “restoration of a peaceful life” in Kherson. However, Kerpatenko “categorically” refused to cooperate with them. The conductor made no secret of his attitude and refused to leave the occupied city. Kerpatenko has worked with the Kherson Regional Philharmonic since 2000, and in 2004 he was named chief conductor of the Kherson Music and Drama Theater after Mykola Kulish. The southern Ukrainian city of Kherson has been occupied by Russian troops since the beginning of the war.
Zelenskyy: The situation in Bakhmut is the most difficult
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, fighting in the eastern provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk on the border with Russia is currently particularly fierce. As he explained in his evening video address on Saturday night, the situation in the said regions is still difficult. “The situation towards Bachmut is the most difficult. We are holding our positions,” Zelenskyj said. Russian troops have repeatedly attempted to take Bakhmut.
US and Germany supply anti-aircraft systems
Kiev said Friday it expects the US and Germany to deliver advanced anti-aircraft defense systems later this month. In his video address, Selenskyj described the new US military aid of up to $725 million (745.6 million euros) in volume as “very necessary”.
His country became the target of new Russian attacks on Saturday. “Some of the missiles and drones were shot down. But unfortunately not all,” said the head of state. “We are doing everything we can to shoot down more enemy missiles and drones. (…) The day will surely come when our state can fulfill this task 100 percent.”
And further: “In general, in the east and south, we do everything we can to give the occupiers the feeling that they have no perspective,” said Zelenskyj. Sunday marks the 235th day since the beginning of the February 24 Russian invasion of the neighboring country.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
