In Mariupol, a strategic point in the east where Russia's invasion of Ukraine has continued, it is believed that Ukrainian troops based in steelworks have surrendered, increasing the possibility that the Russian side will take full control of Mariupol.
On the other hand, in the entire eastern part, it seems that the Russian side's territory has not expanded significantly due to the Ukrainian side's counterattack, and it is inevitable that the battle will be further prolonged.
In Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast, eastern Ukraine, Russian troops continued to attack violently from the beginning of the invasion, while the Ukrainian side continued a thorough fight based on the Azovstal iron and steelworks.
Under these circumstances, the Ukrainian Army General Staff revealed on the 17th that the troops remaining at the steelworks had completed their combat missions.
The Russian Ministry of Defense also said on the 17th, "In the last 24 hours, 265 Ukrainian fighters and soldiers have abandoned their weapons and surrendered, 51 of whom were seriously injured and sent to the hospital for treatment." Announced.
Reuters reports that a bus carrying tired soldiers, believed to have surrendered, arrives in a pro-Russian-controlled area of Donetsk Oblast, about 80 kilometers north of Mariupol.
In addition, the American think tank "War Research Institute" said on the 16th that the Russian side was moving to pull up a Ukrainian ship that had sunk in the port of Mariupol, and said, "We are trying to reopen the port and establish a route from Russia. The battle for Mariupol may be coming to an end, "said the view that Russian troops are more likely to take full control of Mariupol.
On the other hand, regarding the entire two eastern states, including Donetsk Oblast, where the Russian army aims to expand its territory, "Russian troops continued to fail in ground operations, and no progress was confirmed on the 16th."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video released on the 17th that "Russian troops have not been successful in the area they are trying to invade," and will continue to fight thoroughly with Western military support. Emphasizing that further prolongation of the battle is inevitable.