Bolstering its stand, Ukraine on Monday refused to surrender Mariupol. There is ‘no question’ of surrendering Mariupol, said Ukrainian deputy PM Irina Vereshchuk.
She was responding to Russia’s ‘offer’ to Ukrainian troops defending the strategic Mariupol to lay down arms and exit via humanitarian corridors.
Russia should not waste its time in ‘eight pages on letters’ and, instead, should just open the corridors, she further added.
Ukraine’s strong reaction comes after Russia’s demand called on Kyiv to ‘let go’ of Mariupol.
“A terrible humanitarian catastrophe has developed in Mariupol. All those who lay down their arms are guaranteed safe passage,” said Mizintsev.
It is to be noted here that Mariupol is among Ukrainian cities which are heavily bombarded by Russia since the invasion began.
Also, several of the city’s 400,000 residents remain trapped inside. As per UN, over 900 civilians have been killed in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Just four days ago, a drama theatre in the city was bombed; it had civilians inside. Meanwhile, Ukraine also accused Russia of committing this ‘genocide.’
On the other hand, Moscow blamed the attack on the Azov battalion of the Ukrainian army.
Furthermore, President Vladimir Putin describes this invasion as a ‘special military operation’ to ‘de-nazify’ Ukraine.
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