Russia claims control of Mariupol, states conditions for ending the operation in Ukraine

The Interfax news agency, quoting Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, said the Russian military had taken control of all of Mariupol, except for the Azovstal steel plant area, and had evacuated more than 142,000 civilians from the city.

Shoigu also said that 1,478 Ukrainian soldiers in Mariupol had surrendered, but more than 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers were still entrenched inside the Azovstal factory. which is surrounded by Russian troops.

Russian President Vladimir Putin then congratulated the results, and directed the Russian military to continue blocking Azovstal so that “not even a fly can get out”. However, President Putin also reiterated the need to ensure the safety of the people inside the Azovstal factory, if they would lay down their weapons.

Also on April 21, the director of the Department of the Community of Independent States of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Alexey Polishchuk, announced that the country’s special military operation in Ukraine will only end when Moscow has eliminated ties. threaten and protect the inhabitants of the Donbass region.

“The operation will only end when the tasks are completed, including the protection of the population in the Donbass region, the demilitarization and de-fascistization of Ukraine, and the removal of the threat to Russia from the territory of Ukraine. if it joins NATO,” Polishchuk said, noting that the Russian operation was still going according to plan, and all objectives would be accomplished.

This is the latest statement by a Russian official about the goals of the military operation in Ukraine, since the country’s army began the second phase of the operation in the Donbass region.

Russia continues its offensive in eastern Ukraine

The Guardian newspaper, citing information from British intelligence, today (April 21) reported that Russian forces are advancing from Donbass to the city of Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine, which continues to suffer from persistent missile attacks. persistent.

“Intensified Russian air operations will continue to be maintained, in order to closely support attacks in eastern Ukraine, and also to suppress and destroy Ukraine’s air defense capabilities,” the statement said. this news said.

According to British intelligence, Russia wants to show significant military successes ahead of the May 9 Victory Day celebrations held in the country every year. That could affect how quickly and aggressively Russia’s military operations have been attempted in Ukraine so far.

China opposes indiscriminate application of ‘unilateral sanctions’

Chinese President Xi Jinping has reiterated his country’s opposition to unilateral sanctions and “long-term jurisdiction”.

“China is committed to resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation, supports all efforts conducive to peaceful settlement of crises, rejects double standards, and opposes the indiscriminate use of unilateral sanctions,” Xi said by video at the annual Boao Forum for Asia event in Hainan today (April 21). .

The Chinese president also proposed a global security initiative, which would contribute to “rejecting the Cold War mentality, opposing unilateralism and saying no to factional politics and the risk of confrontation.” between blocks”.

China has repeatedly criticized Western sanctions, including those aimed at Russia for its military campaign in particular in Ukraine. However, in what is considered a cautious approach, it is not currently providing support to the Russian campaign as this could expose Beijing to Western sanctions.

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