Both Ukraine and Russia have announced on the 7th that evacuation has been completed for civilians left behind at a steel mill in Mariupol, a strategic point in eastern Ukraine where Russian troops are aiming for full control.
The Ukrainian side wants to further evacuate from Mariupol, but Russia is expected to intensify its offensive ahead of Victory Day.
In Mariupol, a key point in the east, the deadline for a temporary suspension of combat set by the Russian side was reached at midnight on the 8th of Japan time in order to evacuate the citizens left behind at the Azovstal ironworks surrounded by Russian troops.
In response, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Beresichk announced on SNS that "all women, children and the elderly have been evacuated from the Azovstal ironworks. Humanitarian activities in this area have been completed."
The Russian Ministry of Defense also issued a statement stating that "a humanitarian operation to evacuate civilians has been completed."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released a new video on the 7th, stating that more than 300 women and children have been rescued. "We are preparing for the second phase of evacuation. Injured and hygiene. It is for soldiers, "he said, saying that it is necessary to evacuate soldiers.
"Tomorrow, we are preparing more humanitarian corridors for all the inhabitants of Mariupol and its surroundings," said President Zelensky, advancing the evacuation of more extensive citizens in and around Mariupol. I showed my thoughts.
On the other hand, Russia is expected to intensify its offensive aiming for complete control of Mariupol ahead of the "Victory Day" on the 9th when the former Soviet Union defeated Nazi Germany in World War II, and the evacuation of citizens is expected. It is uncertain whether to proceed further.
Under these circumstances, the leaders of the seven major G7 countries will hold an online meeting from midnight on the 9th of Japan time to discuss the situation in Ukraine.
President Zelensky will also participate in some of the talks, including support for Ukraine and further sanctions on Russia, and the focus will be on how much unity can be taken to increase pressure on Russia.