Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov has issued a sharp appeal to state and local government representatives, calling on them to avoid manipulation, mutual accusations, and shifting blame when informing the public about the consequences of Russian attacks on the city. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the mayor's Facebook post. The statement follows a strike by a jet-powered drone on the Dnipro railway station on October 29, which occurred while passenger train No. 866 "Dnipro — Zaporizhzhia" and a commuter train were at the platform.
Criticism of "mysterious objects" and generalized phrasing
Filatov criticized the practice of using veiled expressions in official statements about shelling. Specifically, the mayor pointed out the inappropriateness of the phrasing "mysterious transport infrastructure object" instead of directly identifying the railway station, noting that "the whole city understands it is the station." Commenting on the strike, the mayor emphasized: "There is no blame here on the part of Ukrzaliznytsia, the city, or the state. The only one to blame is Russia."
Doubts regarding the official version of passengers being on the platform
Filatov paid special attention to the claim that people were on the platform despite warnings of increased danger. The mayor questioned this, pointing out that the strike hit the area between the 10th and 11th tracks, from which, according to him, it was difficult for passengers to quickly reach the underpass. Thus, the city leader effectively challenged the correctness of the official interpretation of the incident.
Call to end the "PR of non-involvement" and shifting blame
The mayor highlighted a systemic problem of shifting responsibility between government bodies, local self-government, military administrations, and specialized departments. He also criticized the excessive number of inspections and new requirements that, in his estimation, do not always take into account the reality on the ground. "Please. Stop your 'PR of non-involvement'," Filatov appealed to government representatives, calling for open and clear communication with citizens.
Recommendations for central government and emphasis on medical work
Commenting on the coverage of medical facility operations after shelling, the mayor noted that the main focus should be on helping the victims and the work of medical personnel, rather than the publicity of individual government representatives. He also emphasized the need to consider the practical experience of local communities when making decisions at the state level, suggesting that central government representatives should visit frontline territories directly to assess working conditions on the ground.
Context: the October 29 strike on Dnipro station
As previously reported, on October 29, Russian forces launched a jet drone attack on the railway station in Dnipro. At the time of the attack, a commuter train and a passenger train were at the station. The strike hit the platform where passenger train No. 866 "Dnipro — Zaporizhzhia" was located. This specific incident prompted the mayor's public call for honest communication: "We are at war. A bloody and terrible one. Enough with the lying, cunning, and manipulation," Filatov concluded.
