Russian military airfield in Mariupol, hosting Su-25, Ka-52, Mi-8, and S-300 divisions, hit by strikes

The RIA-Melitopol media reported the information.

It noted that ambulances could be heard rushing through the city after the explosions. 

"At least three precise hits, resulting in fires at three locations. The largest smoke center is near the Kakhovka highway. We can hear ambulances rushing through the city. Melitopol residents have a holiday Sunday!" the media wrote.

Later, they warned Melitopol residents that Russia would start looking for the "scapegoat."

"Melitopol residents, be careful! They (Russian appointees - ed.) are having an aggravation - they will be looking for those responsible for their 'leaky' air defence. So take care of yourself!" the message reads.

Later, the outlet reported repeated explosions in the city: "First, there was a powerful explosion coming from the airfield, followed by continuous detonations. It is possible that the enemy's ammunition depot is exploding. However, the occupiers claim that it's 'reeds burning.'"

According to RIA-Melitopol, Su-25s, Ka-52s, Mi-8s, and a S-300 division are based at this airfield.

What the Russian-appointed authorities say about the explosions in Melitopol

At 3:33 p.m., the explosions in the temporarily occupied Melitopol were reported by Volodymyr Rogov, the self-proclaimed head of the city, who is suspected of treason in Ukraine.

"The Ukrainian Armed Forces launched a missile attack on this city in the Zaporizhzhia region with five HIMARS missiles," Rogov wrote, adding that all 5 missiles were allegedly shot down by air defense, and a fire started in the places where the debris fell.

At 5:34 p.m. Rogov reported another "powerful explosion" in the city.

"A column of smoke is rising again on the northern outskirts of the city. According to preliminary data, another missile strike," he wrote.

According to him, information about the victims and destruction is being clarified.

• On May 5, Ukrainian guerrillas blew up a car carrying an employee of a penal colony in Berdiansk, Zaporizhzhia region, where Ukrainian prisoners were being tortured. The man died on the spot.