Pro-Russian forces announced that another 50 people had been evacuated today from the besieged Azofstal steel plantin Mariupol, where dozens of civilians have been trapped for weeks, along with Ukrainian fighters.
The Donetsk pro-Russian separatist staff said in a telegram that a total of 176 civilians had been evacuated from the vast steel plant.
Reuters was unable to confirm this information.
About 50 civilians were evacuated on Friday from the factory to a reception center in neighboring Bezimene, in territory controlled by the separatists. The latter forces are fighting on the side of the Russians to expand their control over large parts of eastern Ukraine.
Dozens of civilians were also evacuated from Azofstal last weekend.
“Today, May 7, 50 people were evacuated from the Azofstal steel plant in Mariupol,” the separatists said.
Earlier in the week, the city’s mayor estimated that 200 people were trapped in the factory. It is unclear how many of them managed to leave.
Russian President Vladimir Putin proclaimed the victory of Russian forces in Mariupol on April 21, ordered the closure of the factory and called on the Ukrainian forces that remained there to lay down their arms. However, according to today’s announcement of the Ukrainian military administration, Russia continues the attack on Azovstal, with the help of tanks and artillery.
Asked about Russia’s plans to celebrate the USSR’s victory in World War II on Monday in the occupied territories of Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peshkov said: “It is time to celebrate Victory Day in Mariupol. ».
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