Ukraine's presidential adviser states that the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol has been subjected to attacks with deep-penetrating bombs, reports Reuters.

- This type of bomb must have been used because Ukrainian defenders are inside the basements and corridors of the steelworks, says Lieutenant Colonel Joakim Paasikivi.

According to a local commander, the steelworks has been almost completely destroyed.

The area is said to be one of the last Ukrainian strongholds in the Russian-besieged city of Mariupol, and in addition to the Ukrainian military, civilians are said to have been in the building.

"Want to proclaim victory"

Joakim Paasikiv believes that the Russian bombings against the area will determine Mariupol's fate in the near future.

- Yes, it may be hours or weeks, but it does not look bright for the Ukrainian defenders.

The battle for Azovstal has been going on since Russian troops besieged Mariupol.

From the Russian side, control of the steelworks would mean a prestige victory, Paasikivi explains.

- You want to be able to proclaim victory in Mariupol by "de-Nazifying" the city.

There is also a military aspect as you want an undisturbed corridor from the Donbas, via the Sea of ​​Azov, to the Crimea.

This is the last Ukrainian stronghold in the port city and that aspect is important for the Russians to get rid of, he says.

Task: About 1000 civilians inside the building

The Russian Ministry of Defense has proposed a local ceasefire on Wednesday in case the forces inside the steel plant lay down their weapons, reports the Russian news agency RIA.

According to information from local authorities, about 1000 civilians must seek protection in the building.

Around 120 civilians were evacuated from the steelworks on Tuesday, according to Russian authorities.

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The steel plant in Mariupol is in ruins - for the second time.

See the pictures from the Second World War to today in the clip.

Photo: Sergei Grits / AP / TT & SVT