Mariupol Under Siege; Evacuation Impossible Because of Shelling

The city of Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast, as of late 5th of March, was besieged by Russian troops and ceasefire was essential for civilian evacuation.

This was reported by the city mayor Vadym Boychenko on air during the joint marathon of Ukrainian TV channels.

“I emphasize that Mariupol is currently under siege; the city infrastructure is being ruined; there’s a lot of injured and dead. The occupants have encircled the city and are shelling residential areas with Grads and howitzers,” the mayor told.

He also emphasized that contrary to the agreement, occupants opened fire during the preparations for evacuation.

“I’m not a part of negotiations now. I thank those who work at the green corridor. I received the order to organize teams and locations. Then, shelling of Mariupol started. It’s a miracle that the people who had arrived today weren’t hurt. The machinery that arrived for evacuation was damaged, though. We need guarantees,” Boychenko told.