The Mayor of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv says he was shocked to see what happened in Bucha after Russian forces withdrew from the town. He has accused them of carrying out "genocide" there.

Vitali Klitschko spoke in an online interview with NHK on Tuesday after visiting Bucha, northwest of Kyiv, from Sunday through Monday.

He said all the buildings there were destroyed and he saw many bodies of civilians lying in the streets. He stressed that he would never forget the images.

He said the event was genocide against the Ukrainian people, accusing Russian soldiers of killing women and children.

Klitschko also said he saw a number of vehicles left on the road with the word "children" written in big letters, and displaying white flags. He said Russian troops even targeted those trying to evacuate, and condemned the attacks as indiscriminate assaults on civilians.

He also was angered by those who must have fathers, mothers and families, but still carried out such atrocities.

Russia denies involvement in what many see as indiscriminate assaults on civilians, insisting that Ukrainians are spreading false information.
Responding to a question about the denials, Klitschko said "Russians lie always", and that "the whole world" has seen "the horrific images."

Asked about the current situation of areas surrounding Kyiv, which Ukrainian forces have recaptured, he said air raid sirens have gone off day and night warning of Russian bombing.

He said the Russian government has not given up on occupying the capital, so he has told people wanting to return to wait for a week or more.

He said Ukrainians will continue fighting as they have no other choice. They are pledging to fight for their children, their future, and for democracy.