The Russian army and pro-Russian forces today launched a “fierce attack”, with the support of tanks and amphibious forces, against the Azovstal factory, the last stronghold of the Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol, announced a commander of the Azov battalion, which supports the installation.
“A fierce attack in the Azovstal region is currently underway, with the support of armored vehicles, tanks, attempts to disembark troops, boats and a large number of infantry,” said Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy Azov, in a video message to the Telegram.
“We will do everything we can to repel them,” he said, calling for “immediate action to evacuate civilians” trapped by Ukrainian fighters at the huge factory in Mariupol, a strategic port in the south. part of Donbas, which is almost completely under Russian control.
He clarified at the same time that heavy bombardments took place the night before the attack, where two women were killed and “about 10 civilians” were injured.
“Tonight, enemy naval and ground artillery bombed the Azofstal plant, using very heavy bombs,” he added.
Russian forces have begun bombing the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, southeastern Ukraine, as Ukrainian troops used the truce declared there to relocate to better locations, the RIA Novosti news agency reported.
“A ceasefire was declared, civilians had to be evacuated from the territory of Azovstal. Ukrainian soldiers and (Azov) battalion at the factory took advantage of it. They came out of the basements, took firing positions on the ground and in the factory buildings,” he added. Ministry of Defense in its announcement, according to RIA.
“Now units of the Russian army and the Donetsk People’s Republic, using artillery and air force, are beginning to destroy these firing points,” the Russian ministry said in a statement.
I’m relieved to confirm that the safe passage operation from Mariupol has been successful.
The people I traveled with told me heartbreaking stories of the hell they went through.I’m thinking about the people who remain trapped. We will do all we can to assist them. pic.twitter.com/mEqTTKZKA8
– Osnat Lubrani (@OsnatLubrani) May 3, 2022
At least 100 civilians were reportedly evacuated from Azovstal and relocated to Zaporizhia safely, Ukrainian Vice President Irina Verestsuk said. However, she said that hundreds of other people are trying to escape the facility and have no way out.
Ms. Verestsuk also said that there are at least 40 seriously injured Ukrainian soldiers in Azovstal who are in urgent need of medical attention because their lives are in danger.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news
_115146.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1)
