Russian President Vladimir Putin announced yesterday that his forces have captured the southern port city of Mariapol.
The country’s defense minister, Sergei Shoiku, has been told that Russian forces have taken control of the city, with the exception of the largest Azavstal steel plant in Mariupol.
Mr Putin said in a televised address with Shoiku that “Russian forces have succeeded in taking control of an important center in the south, such as Mariapol.”
Mariapol is said to be the largest Ukrainian city occupied by Russia during its nearly two-month invasion. This victory is seen as crucial for Russia to consolidate its control over the Donbass region.
“She is OK. The rest of the Ukrainian forces have taken refuge in the Azov plant area, ”Mr Shoiku said.
Earlier, Mr Putin said it was “unnecessary” for Russian troops to enter the steel plant, which is said to have more than 2,000 Ukrainian troops. However, he ordered that the area be sealed off so that not even a single fly could escape.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Irina Versuk said yesterday that four buses had left the city of Mariupol carrying people. He said the evacuation of women, children and the elderly would continue.
A Ukrainian official says the bodies of 1,020 innocent people are in mortuaries in the Kiev region.
Nuclear missile test
Russia, meanwhile, has tested an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Russian President Vladimir Putin called it “the best in the world.”
“This unique weapon will strengthen the combat capability of our forces; Ensuring Russia’s protection from external threats; It makes us think twice about enemies who try to intimidate us by speaking aggressively, ”Putin said in a televised address.
The United States has said Russia expects to fit ten or more weapons in the new Sharmad missile.
The test came as a surprise to Russia, which has been trying to develop the missile for years. However, it is important to note that this missile test took place in the current war environment.