Putin says Mariupol 'liberated', blocks fighters in steel plant

In a televised meeting, Putin hailed 'liberation' of Mariupol, but shelved a plan to storm the Azovstal steel plant. 2,000 fighters are holed up in the steel plant, the last remaining Ukrainian stronghold in Mariupol. Putin opted for a blockade - 'block off the area so that a fly can not not pass through'. The Russian President urged the Ukrainian fighters in the steel plant to lay down their arms & surrender.