Ukrainian Forces: "Today Likely to Be Mariupol's 'Final Battle'... Ammunition Running Out"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Ukrainian military, which has been fighting to defend the southern city of Mariupol since Russia's invasion, announced on the 11th (local time) that "we have run out of ammunition. Today will be the last battle."

The Guardian daily, citing AFP, reported that Ukraine's 36th Marine Brigade posted this statement on their Facebook account. They acknowledged that after 47 days of trying to stop Russia's advance in Mariupol since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, they were surrounded by Russian forces. The Ukrainian military explained, "This means some of us have died and the rest have been captured."

Regarding recent Russian attacks at Azovstal, one of Europe's largest steel plants, the Ukrainian military stated, "The enemy is gradually pushing us back, surrounding us, and trying to destroy us." They further explained the situation, saying, "The wounded make up half of the brigade, and soldiers with intact arms and legs are returning to battle. All infantry have died, and artillerymen, anti-aircraft units, radio operators, drivers, cooks, and even the military band are mobilized to fight the war."

The Ukrainian military added that they judge the situation in Mariupol to be unfavorable and that the leadership is not providing support.

Mariupol is a strategic key point connecting the Crimean Peninsula, forcibly annexed by Russia in 2014, and the eastern Donbas region, where Vladimir Putin's Russian regime has recently concentrated firepower. From the early stages of the war, Russian forces surrounded Mariupol and launched intense bombardments. As a result, for over a month, Mariupol has been cut off from supplies of food, water, fuel, and medicine. Recently, there have been claims that more than 5,000 civilians have died in Mariupol alone.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a video speech at the South Korean National Assembly on the same day, said, "Please help Ukraine stand against Russia," adding, "If Ukraine receives weapons, it will not only save the lives of ordinary citizens but also provide an opportunity to save Ukraine and prevent other countries from being attacked by Russia."

In the latter part of his speech, President Zelensky introduced a video showing the Russian military's attacks and the horrors of war occurring in Mariupol. The video depicted children injured and losing their lives due to Russian attacks. After the video ended, he appealed, "Did you see that? This is exactly what Russia is doing. We ask for your help and support."