The Russian Defense Ministry has warned Ukrainian troops in Mariupol to surrender within hours. If the remaining troops surrender between 06:00 Moscow time (05:00 Dutch time) and 13:00 Moscow time, their lives will be spared, the Russian news agency TASS reported.
The Russians say the troops are trapped in the Azovstal steel factory in the besieged city of Mariupol. The situation there is “catastrophic”, according to a senior Russian army official. According to Russia, it is not only about Ukrainians, but also foreigners who fight on the side of Ukraine. The Russian reporting is not independently verifiable. Kiev has not yet responded.
Earlier, Russia said that all Ukrainian military personnel have been expelled from populated areas in Mariupol. There are said to be fewer than 2,500 Ukrainian soldiers at the steel plant. 1464 Ukrainian soldiers have surrendered, according to the Russians. That information is also not verifiable.
Yesterday, President Zelensky of Ukraine said the situation in the port city is extremely serious.
–
