Russian troops have taken control of the Kherson regional state administration building, hours after Moscow claimed the city had fallen.
Hennadiy Lahuta, the regional governor, said on Facebook that those who work for local government had “not given up our duties”.
He added: “The regional operational staff, which I head, continues to work and address pressing issues to help residents of the region.
“We are waiting for humanitarian aid.”
Mr Lahuta concluded his message with: “Please don’t believe in fakes and don’t panic.”