Enemy trying to break into Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol

Russian troops try to break into the territory of the Azovstal steelworks, where the Ukrainian fighters of Mariupol garrison hold the defense.

"Mariupol. Azovstal. The occupiers try to break into the steelworks on the ground with covering fire. [It’s happening] practically live. The situation becomes more complicated day by day," Petro Andriushchenko, adviser to Mariupol mayor, posted on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

Read also: Ukraine holds talks to evacuate medics and wounded from Azovstal – Office of the President

As reported, Azov Regiment fighters and their comrades have been defending Mariupol for more than 75 days. There are about 600 seriously wounded soldiers in the bunkers of the Azovstal steelworks besieged by the enemy. The Russians are constantly shelling the Azovstal territory with all kinds of weapons, including airplanes and naval artillery, repeatedly trying to assault it.

Read also: Relatives of soldiers blocked at Azovstal ask Erdoğan to help with extraction procedure

Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk stated that the special evacuation operation from Azovstal would begin with the rescue of severely wounded service members and will take place in several stages.

Earlier, Ukraine proposed to Russia to exchange seriously wounded Azovstal fighters for Russian prisoners according to the standard rules of prisoner exchange. According to Vereshchuk, it is currently impossible to unblock Azovstal by military means. Azovstal's defenders are not going to be taken prisoner, and the Russians do not agree to the extraction procedure.

Photo credit: Sky News

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