In view of the catastrophic situation in Mariupol, which has been contested for weeks, Ukraine has proposed a “special round of negotiations” with Russian representatives in the strategically important port city in the south of the country. Negotiations might take place “without preconditions,” Ukraine’s chief negotiator and presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak wrote on Twitter yesterday.
The aim is to save the Ukrainian fighters, soldiers and civilians. “Because they belong to us. Because they are in my heart. Forever,” says Podoljak.
Dramatic appeal for help
The Ukrainian armed forces in Mariupol had published a dramatic appeal for help following almost two months of heavy fighting. His troops are “perhaps” facing their “last days, if not hours,” said Ukrainian commander Serhiy Volyna. Moscow issued a new ultimatum to Ukrainian soldiers, which expired yesterday.
In Mariupol, the Ukrainian soldiers who are still holding out there have entrenched themselves in a steel works and from there are putting up fierce resistance once morest the Russian attackers. According to the city authorities, at least a thousand civilians are also in the underground facilities of the steel mills.
Kadyrov wants to see Mariupol taken
The ruler in the Russian republic of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, predicted the complete capture of Mariupol for Thursday.
“Even before or following lunch, Azovstal will be under the complete control of the Russian Federation Armed Forces,” he said in an audio message, overlooking the Azovstal Steel Plant, the last bastion of Ukrainian forces in the largely conquered city.
