Ukrainian port city of Mariupol ‘blockaded’ by Russian forces

The strategic port city of Mariupolin the east of Ukrainefaces a “blocking” and attacks “relentless” of the Russian forces, reported Saturday the mayor, Vadim Boitchenko, who called for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor.

“At the moment we are looking for solutions to humanitarian problems and all possible means to get Mariupol out of the blockade,” the mayor said in a message on the city government’s Telegram account.

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“Our priority is to reach a ceasefire so that we can recover vital infrastructure and establish a humanitarian corridor to bring food and medicine to the city”he added.

The capture of this city of 450,000 inhabitants, located on the edge of the Sea of ​​Azov, would be a major twist in the Russian invasion of Ukraine because it would connect Russian forces in the occupied Crimean peninsula with pro-Russian separatist troops in eastern Ukraine.

A fire is seen in Mariupol in a residential area after shelling amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo: Twitter @AyBurlachenko via REUTERS). (@AYBURLACHENKO/)

On Thursday, the mayor of Mariupol He accused Russian troops of wanting to besiege the city by destroying bridges and trains to prevent residents from leaving.

“For five days our hometown, our family of half a million inhabitants, has suffered relentless attacks,” wrote the mayor, who called for maintaining resistance.

He assured that the city is defended by units of the Ukrainian army, the National Guard, the ultra-nationalist Azov regiment, border guards and the marine infantry.

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Source: Elcomercio