Russian ultimatum to forces in Mariupol expiresAFP, KYIVA Russian ultimatum for the last remaining Ukrainian forces in Mariupol to surrender expired yesterday, with Moscow poised for a major strategic victory in the southeastern port city. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk urged Russian forces to allow evacuations from Mariupol, which Moscow’s forces claim to have brought under their control, although Ukrainian fighters remain holed up in the city’s fortress-like steelworks. “Once again, we demand the opening of a humanitarian corridor for the evacuation of civilians, especially women and children, from Mariupol,” Vereshchuk wrote. Mariupol has become a symbol of Ukraine’s unexpectedly fierce resistance since Russian troops invaded on Feb. 24. With fighting raging in the east, Vereshchuk said that humanitarian corridors allowing civilians to flee would not open yesterday after failing to agree to terms with Russian forces.

Source: Taipei Times April 17, 2022 20:29 UTC