Even as he lauded Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu for the city’s “liberation,” Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his soldiers not to storm the final remaining Ukrainian position in the besieged vital city of Mariupol on Thursday.
In a televised discussion at the Kremlin, Putin told Shoigu, “I feel the recommended strike on the industrial zone is not necessary.” “It’s been called off,” I say.
“This is one of those situations where we have to think—we always have to think, but in this instance it’s even more important—about saving the lives and health of our soldiers and commanders,” Putin stated. “There is no need to enter these tunnels and crawl around beneath among these industrial things.”
The president commanded, “Block this industrial zone so that not even a fly may fly through.” “Yes,” Shoigu said.
Putin went on to say, “Offer to all those who have not yet laid down guns to do it.” “In compliance with relevant international legal acts, the Russian side guarantees them life and dignified treatment. All of the injured will be treated by skilled medical personnel.”
“The completion of military operations on Mariupol liberate is a triumph,” he continued. “Congratulations.”
“As of today, the entire Mariupol is under the control of the Russian army, the People’s militia of the Donetsk People’s Republic, and the land of the plant ‘Azovstal’ with the last nationalists and international mercenaries has been reliably blocked,” Soigu had previously told Putin.
The president commanded, “Block this industrial zone in such a way that not even a fly could fly through.” “Yes,” said Shoigu.
Putin went on to say, “Offer to all those who have not yet laid down guns to do so.” “In compliance with applicable international legal acts, the Russian side guarantees them life and dignified treatment. All those who have been injured will be treated by medical professionals.”
“The military efforts on Mariupol liberation have come to a successful conclusion,” he continued. “Congratulations.”
“As of today, the entire Mariupol is under Russian army control, People’s militia of Donetsk People’s Republic and the land of the factory ‘Azovstal’ with the remaining of nationalists and foreign mercenaries has been reliably stopped,” Soigu had previously told Putin.