© AFP/Miguel MedinaA Ukrianian police officer's insignia
The southern Ukrainian city of Nikolaev resorted to drastic measures this weekend
to expose what the local authorities call "collaborators" and "separatists" - people who harbor pro-Russian sentiments or help Moscow's forces in any way.
On Friday, the head of the local military administration, Vitaly Kim,
placed the entire city - home to almost half a million people before the start of the Russian military operation - on a two-day lockdown. Kim announced a "prolonged curfew," which came into force Friday evening and is expected to last until Monday.
During this time, residents of Nikolaev are prohibited from going outside or visiting any public places without special permits. In case of an emergency, a police escort is provided, Ukrainian news agency UNIAN said.
Law enforcement agencies will use this time to search for "collaborators" and "separatists," Anna Zamazeeva, the head of the Nikolaev regional council, said. The operation is already in full swing, and the police will reveal the results no sooner than Monday, according to the official.
Comment: The Sunday Times reports: See also: