Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed victory in the most major battle of the Ukraine war. He has said that Mariupol has been “liberated” after a nearly two-month fight. It’s understood that hundreds of defenders are still inside the giant steel works.
Ukraine said Putin’s attempt to avoid a final showdown with his forces in the city was an admission that he lacked the power to defeat them.
“You successfully completed the combat effort to liberate Mariupol. Let me congratulate you on this occasion, and please convey my congratulations to the troops,” Mr Putin told Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in a televised meeting at the Kremlin.
“I consider the proposed storming of the industrial zone unnecessary. I order you to cancel it,” he said.
“There’s no need to climb into these catacombs and crawl underground through these industrial facilities… Block off this industrial area so that not even a fly can get through.”
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