Russia claims capture of Mariupol

The Kremlin has claimed its forces have captured Mariupol

Russia’s Defence Ministry says the nation now controls all of Mariupol except one steel plant in the besieged city.

President Putin has hailed the operation as “successful”. He described the assault as “liberation” for the strategic port city.

It’s also believed the President has ordered an assault on the steel plant itself, where Ukrainian civilians are believed to be sheltering.

Russian state-media reports 2,000 Ukrainian militants remain at the Azovstal steel plant.

President Putin has also reportedly told militants to block off the city’s industrial area, so that not even a fly can escape.

Ukraine has also confirmed four buses carrying evacuees have left the besieged city.

It follows previous comments by a Ukrainian marine commander who says they are determined not to surrender Mariupol.

Ukraine has signalled it is ready to hold a “special round of negotiations” with Russia in the besieged port city.

The news comes after Ukraine revealed nine bodies have been found outside Kyiv, with some showing signs of torture.