Russian forces took control of Mariupol
Russia’s Defense Ministry said in a statement that its military had taken control of Mariupol, with the exception of a steel plant.
Russian President Vladimir Putin called Mariupol’s “liberation” a “victory” and ordered the siege of the steel plant.
According to Ukrainian officials, nearly a thousand civilians and a number of the city’s defense forces have taken refuge in the factory.
Putin addresses Russian forces: Block Azov-Stal area so that not a single bird can escape
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed satisfaction with the occupation of the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol and called on his army to blockade the Azov-Stal industrial area so that not a single bird could escape.
Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that Russian forces had taken control of the Ukrainian port city. However, more than 2,000 Ukrainian troops are still stationed in the Azofestal industrial area.
Russian Defense Minister Shoigu told Putin during the meeting that Russian forces would need three to four days to occupy the industrial zone. He also assured the Russian president that the area had been cordoned off by Russian forces.
