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Russia on Friday claimed its troops have “utterly liberated” the Azovstal metal plant in Mariupol — the ultimate holdout of Ukrainian resistance within the in any other case Russian-occupied southern metropolis.

CNN can not independently confirm that every one Ukrainian troops have left the metal plant.

Ukraine is but to substantiate Russia’s claims, which, if true, would mark a symbolic navy victory for Moscow.

This is what you have to know:

The siege of Mariupol: The strategically essential port metropolis was one of many first to return below Russian assault after Moscow’s invasion started on Feb. 24. By early March, it had been surrounded by Russian forces, leaving residents dealing with dire shortages of meals and water — and fixed bombardment that hit a maternity hospital and a theater the place civilians have been sheltering.

The plant: By mid-April, many of the final Ukrainian defenders have been preventing to carry Russian forces again from the Azovstal metal plant — which had additionally turn out to be a shelter for as many as 1,000 civilians, together with some critically injured who have been stranded with out medical care.

In late April, Russia claimed it had achieved the “liberation” of Mariupol — which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied, saying troopers have been nonetheless resisting within the metropolis.

Evacuation makes an attempt: Evacuations of civilians from Azovstal started on Could 1. On Could 16, Ukraine’s navy stated its forces had accomplished their “fight mission” on the metal plant, with lots of of troopers evacuated from the power.

A whole lot of Ukrainian troopers evacuated from the plant have been taken to a pre-trial detention middle, whereas the severely injured have been receiving medical therapy, based on the Russian Protection Ministry.

Ukraine stated it expects to hold out an change of Russian prisoners of warfare for the severely injured troopers.

The state of affairs on the bottom: If true, Russia’s declare on Friday would recommend the whole metropolis of Mariupol has fallen to Russian management after practically three months of brutal preventing.

A spokesperson from the Russian Protection Ministry claimed the “final group of 531 militants surrendered” within the plant. Earlier, the Ukrainian commander of the Azov regiment had issued an order for troopers to protect their “life and well being … and cease defending town.”

Movies posted on-line seem to indicate the remaining Azov fighters strolling out of the metal plant. CNN can not independently confirm the variety of fighters left within the plant.

Russian beneficial properties: If confirmed, the autumn of the Azovstal metal plant means Russian forces are in full management of Mariupol, paving the way in which for them to ascertain a land hall between Russia and the annexed territory of Crimea.

The symbolic victory would additionally safe a key port on the Sea of Azov for Russia and launch Russian troops to combat on the entrance strains of the warfare within the Donbas area.