For six consecutive days, the city of Mariupol has been subjected to relentless enemy shelling. The situation remains dire as the city is encircled by Russian forces, creating a blockade that has left the residents in a precarious state.

Vadym Boychenko, the mayor of Mariupol, provided an update on the city’s condition during a broadcast on an informational telethon. He described the severe impact of the ongoing military aggression, stating, “The city is currently under siege, and we are being targeted as a nation, as the people of Ukraine. Russian occupiers are firing at residential areas, and today, aircraft dropped bombs.”

Boychenko further explained the challenges faced in organizing evacuation efforts. “As the mayor, I was tasked with arranging transport and locations for evacuating people. However, as we proceeded, Russian forces violated the ceasefire and commenced shelling. Fortunately, there were no human casualties, but our equipment was damaged. We urgently need security guarantees,” he emphasized.

The mayor expressed hope that ongoing negotiations would result in the establishment of a humanitarian corridor. “We are doing everything necessary on our part,” he assured. The need for evacuation is critical, with approximately 400,000 residents of Mariupol held hostage by Russian military forces, according to Boychenko.

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