Mariupol defenders destroy or damage 16 units of enemy hardware in past 24 hrs

On March 9, Ukrainian forces defending Mariupol, a strategic port city on the Sea of Azov, destroyed four Russian main battle tanks, an infantry fighting vehicle, as well as destroyed and damaged 11 Russian armored vehicles.

That’s according to the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

"Mariupol defenders have been holding their ground for several days already. Special thanks to the police who keep patrolling the city and assisting its inhabitants. Our Marines destroyed four tanks and a BMP IMF yesterday. National Guardsmen with the Azov regiment destroyed and damaged 11 armored vehicles," the report reads.

It is noted that the Ukrainian side is no longer counting enemy losses in manpower.

The locals trust their defenders: many are unwilling to leave their homes, while most simply have nowhere to go to. For some, it is critical that they save their home, even if it’s already in ruins. Everyone understands that they have to act as one, in coordination, as the city has been besieged since March 1. This isn’t just a city, these are its people, these are our patriots sacrificing their lives for Ukraine," the Ministry emphasizes.

As reported earlier, on Wednesday, Russian forces bombed a maternity hospital, a clinic, hospital, a children's hospital, and a therapy unit.

A funnel over 10 meters in diameter remained at the site of the airstrike just outside the children’s hospital.

On February 24, on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, Russia launched a war with Ukraine. For the sixth day in a row, Russian troops have been shelling and destroying key infrastructure, with their missiles aiming including at apartment blocks.

Martial law was imposed in Ukraine and a general mobilization was announced.