The Kremlin on Thursday denied that Russian forces had invaded the plant. Azofstal steel in Mariupol in southern Ukraine, where trapped Ukrainian fighters and civilians are trapped, insisting that humanitarian corridors are in operation as part of the ceasefire.
Asked if the statement by a Ukrainian official that Russian forces had invaded the vast factory area was true, the Kremlin spokesman said: Dmitry Peshkov referred to journalists in the previous public order of the president Vladimir Putin to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu “not to let Russian soldiers invade the steel industry so as not to endanger Russian soldiers.”
However, according to Western media, in the past, Peshkov and other officials have denied reports that Russia is invading Ukraine. Putin’s spokesman spoke of the “hollow and unfounded invention” of the Western media, and said in February that Russian troops would “withdraw to their permanent bases” after completing joint military exercises with Belarus. Seven days later, Russia launched what it calls its “special military operation” inside Ukraine.
The Ukrainian army announced earlier that the fighting continue at Azofstal in Mariupol, where Russia “Trying to destroy” the last defenders of the steel plant, despite the fact that he has declared from today Thursday morning and for three days of truce.
“The Russian occupiers are trying to cut off and try to destroy the Ukrainian units in Azovstal,” the Ukrainian army said in a statement this morning. According to the Ukrainian army, the Russian troops “resumed their attack with aircraft support with the aim of bringing the factory under their control “.
This announcement is coming after Moscow pointed out yesterday Wednesday at night that her forces will observe a truce for three consecutive days, starting today at 08:00 in the morning, so that the civilians who remain in Azovstal can be removed, who, according to the mayor of Mariupol, Vadim Boitshenko, are about 200.
Denis Prokopenko, commander of the Azov Battalion that defends the steel plant, said in a video posted on the Internet last night that Russian forces had managed to enter Azovstal, where “fierce and bloody battles” are raging.
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