Moscow – AFP, agencies
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said his forces had succeeded in controlling the Ukrainian city of Mariupol and ordered the siege of the last Ukrainian fighters instead of attacking the Azovstal industrial base; Where they are stuffed.
Vladimir Putin told Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in a televised interview that “the decision to release Mariupol was a successful one.”
The Russian president has told the defense minister that he wants the last Ukrainian fighters at the Azovstel mineral site to be rounded up, as an attack could claim many lives; The area has an extensive network of underground mines.
“I think the proposed attack on the industrial zone is inappropriate,” Putin said. I ask that it be canceled. We need to think about the lives and safety of our soldiers and officers … not to go into these catacombs and crawl underground. This area should be completely covered; So we will not let even a fly pass.
According to the Russian Defense Minister, there are still 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in the vast industrial base. Putin also promised to guarantee the safety of those who surrendered.
“I once again recommend to all those who do not lay down their arms that the Russian side guarantees their safety and treats them with dignity,” he said.
In addition, a senior Ukrainian official announced on Wednesday evening that he had proposed to Russia to hold “special round” talks in the city of Mariupol.
“Yes, unconditionally,” tweeted Mikhail Podoliyak, Ukraine’s chief negotiator and adviser to the president. We are ready for a special dialogue in Mariupol with the aim of saving our people, Azov, soldiers, civilians, children, survivors and the wounded. Everyone. Because they are our people, because they are always in my heart.
For his part, David Arakamiya, Ukraine’s chief negotiator, said on his Telegram channel: “Once the confirmation is received from the Russian side, we are ready to come with Mikhail Podoliak at any time for these talks.”
Deputy Prime Minister Irina Vareshchuk has announced that four buses carrying civilians have departed from the port of Mariupol in southeastern Ukraine.