Defense ministry: Situation in Mariupol remains challenging, street battles raging

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Defense Ministry Spokesman Oleksandr Motuzianyk during a briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“The situation in Mariupol is remaining challenging. Meanwhile, the city continues to keep the defense. As of today, the Ukrainian flag is flying there; street battles are raging. The city has been seriously damaged by the enemy’s artillery and air strikes,” Motuzianyk told.

In his words, Mariupol faced one of the major attacks by Russian invaders, and the Ukrainian military are bravely and heroically defending there.

“Thanks to their heroism, we have managed to achieve success in many directions, where the occupiers were advancing. Russians can destroy the city, but they will never be able to destroy the heroism of our military, defending Mariupol,” Motuzianyk stressed.

A reminder that the Russian aggression has caused one of the largest humanitarian catastrophes in the city of Mariupol. Russian troops are bombarding unarmed civilians and blocking humanitarian aid. According to Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boichenko, the death toll among civilians reached about 5,000 people, including 210 children. Currently, about 130,000 civilians are remaining trapped in Mariupol and crying for help.

Photo: Yevhen Maloletka

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