Reuters reported that Russia's defense ministry had driven Ukrainian troops out of the entire urban area of the southern Ukrainian port city of Mariupol on 16 local time, Reuters reported.
"The entire urban area of Mariupol has been completely cleared," the Ministry of Defense said.
"Their only chance to save their lives is to lay down their arms voluntarily and surrender," the Pentagon said.
The Russian Defense Ministry added that more than 4,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in Mariupol as of Monday.
In this regard, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned in an interview with his local media on the same day that negotiations with Russia would be halted if the Russian-held besieged Mariupol had its troops removed.
Mariupol is a key point connecting the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine, which was annexed by Russia in 2014 by force, with the eastern Donbas region.
As a result, Russia continues to siege Mariupol as its top target.
On the other hand, the Azov Regiment and Ukrainian Marines defending the area have been fighting for more than 50 days, but it is known that they have reached their limit.