E-Paper
‘Elimination of last Ukrainian troops in Mariupol…’: Zelensky's message to Russia
The besieged port city in Ukraine's southeast has been among the hardest hit due to Russia's invasion of its neighbour.
The ‘elimination’ of the last remaining Ukrainian troops in the besieged port city of Mariupol will put an end to the ongoing negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday, as the east European nation continues to resist the invasion by its neighbour, which began on February 24.
Click here for all live updates on Russia-Ukraine war
“The elimination of our troops, our men in Mariupol will put an end to any negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Such a thing would be an impasse as we don’t deal over our territories or our people,” Zelensky said.
Also Read | Ukraine war: Mariupol battle rages, US says war may not end in 2022
The Ukrainian President’s statement came three days after more than 1,000 of its soldiers laid down arms in this southeastern port city. Though Russia, despite its numerical and technological superiority, is yet to capture Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, Mariupol is among the cities hardest hit by its military offensive.
Also Read | Over 1,000 Ukrainian troops, including women, surrender in Mariupol, claims Russia
If Russia, which is currently surrounding the city, was to capture it, this would allow Moscow to connect by land the Crimea peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, with the separatist regions in east Ukraine.
The civilians in Mariupol have been the worst hit by the crisis, as they have been left struggling for basic utilities.
Last month, Ukraine rejected Russia’s proposal to surrender Mariupol.
(With AFP inputs)
