Russia has taken over Mariupol, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told Vladimir Putin, Reuters reported, citing Interfax.
Russia’s defense minister has told the Russian president that there are still Ukrainian troops at the Azovstal plant and that 142,000 civilians have been evacuated from the city.
Putin stressed that the preservation of the lives of all Ukrainian servicemen who leave the Azovstal plant is guaranteed and will be treated with respect.
President Putin has ordered the Russian military to cancel plans to storm Azovstal and said he wanted to continue its blockade instead.
Russian forces are advancing from the Donbas region to Kramatorsk
Russian forces are advancing from the Donbas region to Kramatorsk, which continues to be shelled by rocket attacks, British military information reported today, Reuters reports.
High levels of Russian air activity continue as it seeks close air support for its offensive in eastern Ukraine and suppresses and destroys Ukraine’s air defenses, the UK Ministry of Defense tweeted in a regular newsletter.
“Russia probably wants to demonstrate significant success ahead of its annual Victory Day celebrations on May 9. This may affect how quickly and strongly they try to carry out operations on the eve of this date, “the tweet added.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
80% of the Luhansk region is under Russian control
Days after the start of the second stage of the Russian offensive in Ukraine – authorities in Kyiv said that 80% of the Luhansk region is under Russian control.
This was announced by the regional governor of Lugansk, Serhiy Haidai. Fierce fighting has been going on in the area for weeks, and two days ago a significant part of the Russian army was relocated to this part of eastern Ukraine.
The battle for Mariupol continues – Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has said he expects the Azovstal steel plant to be taken by noon. The Ukrainian side did not comment on the course of the battle for Mariupol.
In another address, Volodymyr Zelensky said he was optimistic about Ukraine’s future in the EU, following an unexpected visit by European Council President Charles Michel to Kyiv.
“I had a very in-depth conversation with Charles Michel about relations between Ukraine and the EU. The main topic, of course, was how to defend our country, and how to remain a stable and functioning country where institutions do not stop working. We also discussed concrete steps with “The EU will help us. In particular, in the field of defense, finance and sanctions. The other important topic was our European integration. At this historic moment, this must be done as soon as possible,” Zelenski said.
