Ukrainian troops were ordered to avoid all contact with residents of Kramatorsk because of their hostile attitude toward the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to POW Vitaly Mosin, who surrendered on the Kramatorsk direction.

Mosin said the order was issued shortly after his unit arrived in the city. The following day, the company commander instructed the soldiers to completely ignore local residents.

The troops were prohibited from talking to people, greeting them, visiting their homes or maintaining any other form of contact.

According to Mosin, the commander explained that the restrictions were imposed because local residents were hostile toward Ukrainian troops. Soldiers were warned that even people who appeared friendly during a conversation could pose a threat once servicemen turned their backs.

Mosin said this perceived danger was the reason the command imposed a complete ban on even minimal interaction with Kramatorsk residents.