As Russian forces draw in on the Azovstal steel complex, Ukrainian residents and resistance fighters hunkered down in Mariupol’s final stronghold face “nonstop” bombing and are running critically low on supplies, prompting some to ponder extreme measures to live.
Fighters inside the besieged factory are “sharing water and food” with residents, but time is running short, according to Svyatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of the Ukrainian Azov Regiment, on Monday evening.
“We are severely depleted of water and food resources. I can’t tell you how much is left… but I can guarantee you that we are saving, and we are extremely afraid without water, food, and especially ammunition “Palamar, who is now inside the factory, stated.
“If the worst happens and we run out of food, we’ll be hunting birds and doing all we can simply to hold firm,” he continued.
The world has been watching in horror for weeks as Russia continues its assault on the massive steel complex. The determination of those who remain has become a symbol of the country’s enduring resistance to an adversary considerably outnumbering them.
However, Russia claims that its soldiers have reached the plant’s boundaries and are conducting a “step by step clearance effort,” however Palamar claims that Ukrainian defenses are holding for the time being. According to him, his troops have repulsed repeated raids and killed five Russian servicemen.
About 100 individuals were evacuated from the factory on Sunday. However, another 100 people are believed to be still alive, including 20 children, according to Palamar, who spoke to Reuters on Monday. It is unknown how many fighters remain in the area.
Those who were evacuated from the facility on Sunday emerged to rubble-strewn streets and unrecognizable neighborhoods in bombed-out Mariupol.