Russian forces moving from Kherson region to Mariupol area - mayor’s advisor

That’s according to Petro Andriushchenko, the advisor to the Mariupol mayor, Ukrinform reports.

"For the second day in a row, the arrival of military occupiers from the Kherson direction in the Mariupol district has been observed. Yesterday, large convoys of hundreds of vehicles carrying military personnel arrived along the Mangush-Urzuf motorway. The newcomers are being settled in boarding houses and recreation centers in the villages of Yalta, Nova Yalta, and Yuriyivka," Andriushchenko said.

According to the official, at every intersection on the said road, military patrol forces have been deployed "in anticipation of the next batch of occupiers from Kherson top assist in resettlement."

Also, Andriushchenko noted, the number of civilian vehicles with Russian license plates is growing rapidly in the Mariupol direction. "The owners/drivers say that they are coming from Kherson. All of the newcomers – both military and civilians – use hryvnias when shopping.

As reported, Russia's aggression caused a massive humanitarian disaster in Mariupol. Almost 90% of the city was destroyed by enemy shelling. Enterprises, city utility infrastructure, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and residential buildings have been obliterated.

Mariupol currently has no stable supply of power, water, and gas. Currently, more than 100,000 residents remain in the blocked area.

The invaders also continue to demolish the houses they damaged to hide the traces of their crimes. A list of buildings that the invaders intend to demolish in Mariupol this year has recently appeared, which includes 136 apartment blocks.

Photo: EPA