Russians try to subdue Ukrainian towns by seizing mayors

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — As Russians seized parts of eastern and southern Ukraine in the opening stages of the war, mayors, civilian administrators and others say they have been abducted, threatened or beaten to force their cooperation. In some instances, they have been killed. Human rights activists say these actions could constitute a war crime. Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov said he was abducted from his office and “the bullying and threats did not stop for a minute.” He said they tried to force him to continue in his role but he refused. After six days in detention and an intervention from Ukraine’s president, he was exchanged for nine Russian prisoners of war and expelled from the occupied city.