KYIV, Ukraine (AP) As Russian troops draw closer to the Ukrainian capital, Kyivs mayor is filled with pride over his citizens spirit yet anxious about how long they can hold out.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, after a grueling night of Russian attacks on the outskirts of the city, Mayor Vitali Klitschko was silent for several seconds when asked if there were plans to evacuate civilians if Russian troops managed to take Kyiv.

We cant do that, because all ways are blocked, he finally said. Right now we are encircled.

The AP was not able to immediately verify the mayors report that Kyiv was encircled by Russian forces or how wide an area that would encompass due to a strict curfew Sunday on movement in the city.

Klitschko himself later backed away from that assessment, saying on his Telegram channel that In the evening, Russian Internet publications spread information with reference to me that Kyiv is allegedly surrounded and evacuation of people is impossible. ... Do not believe lies! Trust information only from official sources.