The Azovstal Steelworks in Mariupol. Photo: AP.
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu informed President Vladimir Putin of the capture on Thursday from the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which came under the control of the Russian army.
“Mariupol was liberated by the armed forces of the Russian Federation and the People’s Militia of the Donetsk People’s Republic. The remnants of the nationalist formation took refuge in the industrial zone of the Azovstal plant,” the minister said during the meeting.
In the words of the senior military official, from March 11, the day Mariupol was surrounded for release, The total number of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and foreign mercenaries exceeded 8,100 people. Of them, more than 4,000 were neutralized and 1,478 surrendered, while more than 2,000 remained entrenched at the Azovstal Smelter, Shoigu said.
The minister denounced that the nationalists placed armored vehicles and artillery on the ground floors of residential buildings and snipers on the upper floors to resist. In addition, they gathered their inhabitants in the mezzanines and in the basements, turning the civilian population into “human shields”.
“During the liberation of Mariupol, the Russian army and units of the People’s Militia of the Donetsk People’s Republic took all measures to save the lives of civilians.”
Shoigú added that since March 21, humanitarian corridors have been opened daily to evacuate civilians and foreign citizens. He also reported that “the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the militants of the nationalist battalions” had been offered to lay down their arms. “They were, of course, assured of life, safety and medical care,” he said.
“Despite your resistance, both militants and everyone else, following your instructions, we managed to evacuate 142,711 civilians from Mariupol.“All the hostages who were in the commercial port were released, including the crews of sea-going vessels whose communications systems were destroyed by those who captured them, leaving them unable to communicate with anyone,” Shoigu Putin said.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Photo: Diario As.
“Today, all of Mariupol is under the control of the Russian army and the People’s Militia of the Donetsk People’s Republicand the territory of the Azovstal plant with the remaining discovered nationalists and foreign mercenaries is safely blocked.”
Shoigú specified that in the last two days, the Russian armed forces declared a ceasefire, ceased hostilities and opened humanitarian corridors to evacuate civilians staying at the smelter. “No one left Azovstal,” he said, adding that “other civilians more than 100 people” were able to leave the combat area.
“Currently, the situation in the city is calm, which makes it possible to start restoring order, bringing the population back and building peaceful life,” he said. reported Shoigu. In parallel, senior military official Putin promised that it would take Russian forces three or four days to complete work at Azovstal Metallurgical Plant, where Ukrainian soldiers and mercenaries will remain.
Putin orders Azovstal attack to be stopped
In return, Vladimir Putin ordered the attack on Azovstal to be called off, calling it unreasonable. “We have to think […] in safeguarding the life and integrity of our soldiers and officers. There’s no need to go into these catacombs and crawl underground through these industrial facilities,” he said.
“Round off this industrial area so even a fly can’t come out,” he ordered.
On the other hand, the Russian president promised to “offer once again to all those who have not yet laid down their arms”. “The Russian side guarantees their lives and dignified treatment in accordance with the relevant international legal acts. All injured will receive qualified medical assistance,” he assured.
In his statements he congratulated Shoigu on the liberation of the city, called it a “success” and praised the work of the Russian armed forces: “For us everyone is a hero, for all of Russia. Everyone is a hero,” he emphasized.
(With information from RT in Spanish)