Mariupol Port (Photo: Shatterstock)
A merchant ship left the port city of Mariupol in Ukraine this morning (Tuesday), for the first time since the city was occupied by Russian forces. This was announced by the pro-Russian separatist leader in the Donetsk region.
According to the port spokesman, the ship is now making its way east to the Russian city of Rostov. The ship was loaded with 2,700 tons of metal, apparently from the Azobestel steel plant where the last Ukrainian forces were fortified until last week. On the other hand, Ukraine announced that the Russians had looted the metal shipment to Russia from Mariupol.
As you may recall, in recent days Russian forces have been concentrating on strengthening control of Donbas province, many parts of which are controlled by pro-Russian separatists. Last night it was reported that Russian forces were significantly stepping up their attacks in order to gain control of the city of Sverdnočka.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zlansky clarifies that the incessant Russian attacks have destroyed the city’s infrastructure. “90% of the buildings were damaged. More than two-thirds of the residential buildings were completely demolished. There is no communication,” Zlansky said in a televised speech. “Taking over Sverdonetsk is a supreme goal of the occupiers, everything is being done to stop their progress.”
Did you find a mistake in the article? Does the content in the article infringe your copyright? Encountered an inappropriate advertisement? Report to us