In what looks like a farewell letter, the Ukrainian Navy announced in Mariubol It is preparing for the “last battle” for control of the city’s southern port, which has been besieged by the Russians for 40 days.
“Today may be the last battle because ammunition is running out,” the 36th Marine Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces explained in a lengthy statement on Facebook on Monday.
“Death or Captivity”
He added that the fate of some will be death, while others will fall into captivity, “especially since they are besieged by the Russian forces.” He continued, “We are slowly disappearing.”
In addition, the Ukrainians appealed, “We don’t know what will happen, but we really ask you to remember us with a kind word.”
No ammunition, no food
He also explained that the Ukrainian forces fought for more than a month, without new supplies of ammunition, and without food or water.
He pointed out that about half of the members of this regiment were wounded, saying, “During more than 40 days of intense battles, the enemy has gradually repelled us, surrounded us, and is now trying to destroy us.”
Ukrainian naval forces in Mariupol (AFP – Archive)
In addition, he regretted the lack of assistance from the army command and from President Volodymyr Zelensky. He explained that “the regiment received only once 50 shells and 20 mines and anti-tank missiles, without anything else.”
He also considered that “there were only promises that were not kept.”
80% are under separatist control
This statement came after the deputy head of the forces of the separatist Donetsk Republic, Eduard Basurin, announced earlier that 80% of the port of Mariupol had been captured.
He also added in an interview on “Russia 24” television when asked about the situation in the coastal city: “There is still resistance,” noting that “the rest of the Ukrainian army is trying to retreat to Azovstal.”
Displaced people from Mariupol (AFP)
Earlier today, Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov announced that Russian forces would attack Mariupol, in addition to other regions.
It is noteworthy that this city on the Sea of Azov, since the start of the military operation described by Moscow as limited last February 24, has been a strategic target for Russia, especially since its capture will allow linking the areas controlled by the pro-Russian separatists in the east with the Crimea (south), which It was annexed to Russia in 2014.