As the war entered its 55th day, Russia called on forces from Ukraine to “immediately” lay down arms.
Issuing a new ultimatum for the defenders of Mariupol, it asked them to give up their resistance.
The warning comes from the Russian defence ministry after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the start of a new offensive by Russia, focused on the east of the former Soviet state.
“We once again call on the Kyiv authorities to show reason and give the corresponding orders to fighters to cease their senseless resistance,” the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.
“But, understanding that they will not get such instructions and orders from the Kyiv authorities, we call on (the fighters) to voluntarily take this decision and to lay down their arms.”
The ultimatum without making any direct mention of a new ground offensive, asks Ukrainian forces to lay down arms.
It also mentioned how Moscow had “real-time proof about terrible new crimes being prepared by the Kyiv regime“.
Moreover, the defence ministry added that Ukrainian fighters have been resisting the Russian forces in Mariupol.
The United Nations, Pope, world leaders have been leading the calls for peace from both the side. But the war is still raging on.
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