Ukraine’s High Minister Denys Shmyhal referred to as the location in Mariupol the “largest humanitarian disaster” since Russia’s invasion — and in all probability the worst disaster of the century, because the southeastern port town faces consistent bombardment from Russian forces.
Talking at a press convention in Washington on Friday, Shmyhal mentioned 1000’s of folks had died in Mariupol, including: “We can see the horrible atrocities when it is going to be liberated from Russians.”
He mentioned Russian troops are “completely destroying the entirety,” together with shelters the place civilians are staying.
An estimated 100,000 folks stay trapped in Mariupol because it used to be surrounded via Russian forces on March 1, in step with Ukrainian officers. Ukrainian officers declare that greater than 20,000 folks within the town have died throughout the attack.
CNN can’t independently establish those figures, as a company dying toll following weeks of heavy bombardment isn’t to be had.
The final holdout of resistance: On Friday, Shmyhal mentioned civilians together with girls and kids are hiding on the Azovstal metal plant, the general bastion of Ukrainian defenders within the town. He mentioned the Russian military remains to be surrounding the realm, and Ukraine is talking with companions to barter an evacuation hall.
He also referred to as on ambassadors from all nations, together with america, to go back to their embassies in Kyiv.
