SIMFEROPOL, May 16. /TASS/. Russian troops, including the air defense forces, provide 100% protection from Ukraine’s shelling, Deputy Head of the Kherson Region’s Military and Civilian Administration Kirill Stremousov told TASS.

"The Kherson Region is 100% protected by Russian troops," said Stremousov. "Many people have realized by now that it is Russian army by means of its air defense systems that protects the residents of the Kherson Region and its capital city. Many people are beginning to understand, that all those rallies, all those images are an illusion, and a ploy to fuel fear."

The region is still within Ukraine’s artillery range, but Russia’s air defense systems have been intercepting shells, he said. Russian Army and Emergencies Ministry troops have been helping tackle humanitarian issues, and have been contributing to the return of a peaceful life, he added.