Russian forces have resumed attacking Ukraine’s besieged city of Mariupol as the war enters its third month
Russia is continuing its attempts to completely capture Ukraine’s besieged south-eastern city of Mariupol.
According to British intelligence from the UK Ministry of Defence, Kremlin forces are attacking the city once again, days after agreeing to pause bombardment to allow civilians to flee.
The latest efforts by Moscow comes ahead of Russia’s Victory Day planned on 9th of May.
That date is an annual public holiday in Russia that celebrates the Soviet Union’s victory in the Second World War – and during this war – it is thought Putin and his government will proclaim victory and only increase its aggression in neighbouring Ukraine.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence:
- Russian forces in Mariupol have continued their ground assault on the Azovstal steel plant for a second day.
- These attacks come despite Russian statements claiming they would only try to seal it off.
- The renewed effort by Russia to secure Azovstal and complete the capture of Mariupol is likely linked to the upcoming 9 May Victory Day commemorations and Putin’s desire to have a symbolic success in Ukraine.
- This effort has come at personnel, equipment and munitions cost to Russia.
- Ukrainian resistance continues in Azovstal with reports Russian losses will continue to build and frustrate their operational plans in the southern Donbas region.
What does Russia want the Azovstal steel plant?
The Azovstal steel plant produced over 4 million tonnes of steel each year, prior to Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Right now, around 2000 Ukrainian troops are using the steel plant as a base, where they, along with innocent civilians have been reportedly hiding for weeks.
Buried underneath the plant is a network of bunkers and tunnels which have been there since the Soviet era.
With fighting now taking place inside the plant, efforts to evacuate the remaining civilians have intensified and are ongoing.
