"The end of the work of liberating Mariupol is a success," Vladimir Putin told his Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Thursday during a meeting broadcast on television.
Concerning the last Ukrainian fighters entrenched on the Azovstal metallurgical site, the Russian presidency finally decided to abandon any military assault.
“I consider the proposed assault on the industrial zone to be inappropriate.
I order to cancel it, ”launched the Russian president, believing that an assault would be too costly in lives, the area being notably composed of a vast network of underground galleries.
However, he told his minister that he wanted to besiege the area.
This vast industrial site still houses 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers, according to the Russian Minister of Defense.
Vladimir Putin has also promised life to those who surrender.
"Propose once again to all those who have not laid down their arms to do so, the Russian side guarantees their lives and to be treated with dignity," he said.
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War in Ukraine: Understanding everything about the "ultimate battle" of Mariupol and the expected assault in the East
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20 minute video
Vladimir Poutine
War in Ukraine
Russia
Mariupol
Kremlin
fight