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With his Churchillian "V for victory" sign and an array of colourful insults to hurl at Russian invaders, the governor of Mykolaiv has become an unlikely wartime celebrity.

Like Volodymyr Zelensky, his political hero and boss, 41-year-old Vitaly Kim has embraced social media to rally those living in the besieged southern city, posting regular videos and daily press conferences that have become vital viewing for residents.

Dressed in casual clothing – including a T-shirt emblazoned with the words "Ocean Dream" and featuring a swaying palm tree – he invariably smiles or laughs and then waves at the thousands logging on to watch him on platforms including Telegram and Instagram.

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