Mariupol still holding out, says Ukraine

Kyiv, April 17

Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister says that the key port of Mariupol is holding despite the continuing Russian attacks.

Hanna Malyar said on Sunday that the defenders of the key Sea of Azov port have tied up significant Russian forces besieging the city. She described Mariupol as a “shield defending Ukraine” that prevents the Russian troops encircling the city from advancing to other areas of the country. Malyar said the Russians have continued to hit Mariupol with air raids and were possibly preparing an amphibious landing to beef up their forces in the city.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the fall of Mariupol could scuttle any attempt at a negotiated peace. “The destruction of all our guys in Mariupol — what they are doing now — can put an end to any format of negotiations,” Zelenskyy said in an interview. He called on the West to send more heavy weapons immediately if there is any chance of saving the city. — AP