Doesn’t sound like the Russians are confident of holding the city or being able to return.
In 5 months so far, the Ukrainians have not maintained, nor even attempted, one significant counter-offensive.
Melitopol was taken a mere 4 days after the start of the “SMO.” Its now 100 miles behind the front lines. Is a sudden Ukraine blitzkrieg coming?
This “mayor” is speaking from exile, somewhere in western Ukraine.