Ukrainian forces in Mariupol have not laid down their weapons after Russia’s ‘ultimatum’

The Russian Defense Ministry announced yesterday that it had “completely occupied” Mariupol and asked Ukrainian forces in this strategic port city to lay down their weapons and surrender in order to “save lives”.

“There are still ‘remnants’ of Ukrainian forces hiding in the Azovstal metallurgical plant” – RT radio quoted a spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry as giving Kiev an ultimatum – “The only chance to save the life of they are leaving the Azovstal factory without weapons and ammunition.. Ukrainian forces fighting in Mariupol will be guaranteed their lives if they lay down their weapons between 6 -13 o’clock (local time) on the 17th- 4”.

However, about two hours after Russia’s ultimatum took effect, there is still no sign of Ukrainian forces in Mariupol laying down their weapons, according to Reuters.

The Azovstal factory, described as a fortress in the city of Mariupol, is located in an industrial area overlooking the Sea of ​​Azov. This metallurgical plant covers an area of ​​​​more than 11 square kilometers, including many buildings, blast furnaces and even railway tracks.

A convoy of Russian armored vehicles moves on a highway in the area near Mariupol on April 16. Photo: AP

The Mariupol Guard consists of Ukrainian marines, a motorized brigade, a National Guard brigade, and the Azov Regiment (a militia founded by far-right nationalists and later incorporated into the country). became the National Guard of Ukraine). It remains unclear how many Ukrainian soldiers are hiding inside the Azovstal plant.

“The situation is very difficult in Mariupol,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda.

Information that Russia “completely occupied” Mariupol has not been independently verified. If it is true that Russia claims, this will be the first major city of Ukraine they captured after conducting a “special military operation” in Ukraine from February 24.

Russian forces near the Azovstal metallurgical plant in the southern port city of Mariupol, Ukraine, April 12. Photo: Reuters

Explosions were also heard throughout Ukraine by Russian air strikes and high-precision long-range missiles on the morning of April 17 (local time). Reuters news agency described “a loud explosion and smoke billowing across the Darnytskyi district, southeast of the capital Kiev.

The Ukrainian military said that Russian fighter jets taking off from Belarus fired missiles at the Lviv area near the Polish border and four cruise missiles were shot down by Ukrainian air defenses.

The governor of Kharkiv province in eastern Ukraine or in Mykolayiv close to the southern Ukrainian front – also confirmed to have suffered Russian airstrikes, according to Reuters.

The move follows Russia’s announcement on April 15 that it will increase its long-range strikes in retaliation for “sabotage” and “terrorist” actions, hours after confirming the flagship of Moscow. sunk in the Black Sea.