[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared victory for Russian forces in the strategic southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol. While some Ukrainian troops continue their final resistance, the U.S. government dismissed President Putin's victory declaration as fake news.
According to TASS news agency on the 21st (local time), President Putin received a report from Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu on the capture of Mariupol and declared, "The Mariupol liberation operation has successfully concluded," announcing the Russian military's victory. He further emphasized, "All social guarantees for the soldiers who sacrificed and those injured in the success of Mariupol's liberation must be unconditionally fulfilled."
When Minister Shoigu reported that the remaining Ukrainian forces in Mariupol continued to resist within the city's steel plant, Azovstal, President Putin ordered, "Cease combat and blockade the steel plant so that not even a single fly can enter or leave." He explained that "protecting the lives of our soldiers and officers is more important," deeming further combat unnecessary. Accordingly, the remaining Russian forces are expected to blockade Azovstal to starve out the Ukrainian defenders.
The U.S. side rebutted President Putin's victory declaration as fake news. Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated during a press briefing that day, "There is ample reason to believe that Ukrainian forces continue to defend against Russian troops, and President Putin's remarks are disinformation."
U.S. President Joe Biden also expressed skepticism about Putin's claim during an announcement at the White House regarding additional weapons support for Ukraine, saying, "It is doubtful that Putin controls Mariupol."
It is reported that about 2,000 Ukrainian defenders remain in the steel plant Azovstal in Mariupol, along with approximately 1,000 civilians, continuing their last stand. The Russian military estimates that it will take another three to four days to fully capture Azovstal.
According to CNN, the Russian military has left around 8,000 troops in Mariupol to maintain the siege of Azovstal, while most of the remaining forces have moved north to attack the Donbas region. The Ukrainian defenders are outnumbered and facing ammunition shortages, making counterattacks difficult and escape unlikely.
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