Fierce fighting at Azovstal "fortress", Ukrainian soldiers were besieged

on

 The Russian Defense Minister said that Ukrainian forces entrenched in the Azovstal metallurgical plant in the city of Mariupol were surrounded after repeatedly refusing to surrender.


"According to the order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the remaining troops entrenched themselves in the industrial zone of the Azovstal plant, which was tightly surrounded along the entire premises of the plant," Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said. know on 4/5.


"Russia has repeatedly asked the nationalists to release civilians and lay down their arms to ensure their survival and decent treatment in accordance with the rules of international law, but they have all ignored them. We will continue this effort," added Mr. Shoigu.


Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boichenko said fresh fighting had broken out at the Azovstal factory, where hundreds of civilians were still trapped inside with the last Ukrainian soldiers in the city.


"Today there was fierce fighting in the area of ​​our fortress in Azovstal. Our brave soldiers defended the fortress, but with great difficulty, because of heavy artillery and vehicles. Tanks still set fire to the fortress, planes were operating, ships approached and also opened fire on the fortress," Boichenko added.


Speaking on Ukrainian TV channel, Mr. Boichenko said there are 30 children trapped inside the factory are still waiting to be rescued.


"Those trapped are still waiting for a new negotiation and evacuation. We must understand that everyone is dying. The enemy's air force and artillery are still firing continuously at the fortress," Thi said. Chief Mariupol added.


Boichenko also said authorities had lost contact with Ukrainian forces in the factory.


The Russian Defense Ministry announced on May 3 that Russian forces continued to shell and attack the Azovstal metallurgical plant in the city of Mariupol, southeastern Ukraine, because the Ukrainian armed forces were "taking advantage of the ceasefire".


"The Azov Battalion and Ukrainian servicemen stationed at the factory took advantage of the ceasefire, took advantage of the basement, and advanced to firing positions in the area and in the factory buildings," the ministry said. The Russian Chamber stated.


According to the Russian Defense Ministry, units of the Russian army and the People's Republic of Donetsk - a breakaway territory in Eastern Ukraine used artillery and aircraft to destroy firing positions of Ukrainian forces.


Earlier last week, Russia announced the opening of a humanitarian corridor in Mariupol, allowing civilians to choose any direction of evacuation. However, Ukraine has denied, saying that the humanitarian corridor set up by one party unilaterally does not guarantee the safety of people to evacuate.


President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine's ultra-nationalist battalions of being able to use civilians as human shields as a "war crime". Putin affirmed that Ukrainian soldiers who lay down their arms will be guaranteed their lives and medical assistance if necessary.


The Azovstal factory is considered a "fortress" of Ukrainian forces before the Russian attacks on the city of Mariupol. Russia repeatedly issued ultimatums, calling on Ukrainian forces to lay down their arms and surrender, but the Ukrainian side did not accept.

See more:


Comments

Post a Comment