Russia claims it has control of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. Here’s why that matters

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’t 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 should know:

The siege of Mariupol: The strategically vital port metropolis was one of many first to come back beneath 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, a lot of the final Ukrainian defenders have been combating 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 severely 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 ability.

Lots of 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, in keeping with the Russian Protection Ministry.

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

The scenario on the bottom: If true, Russia’s declare on Friday would recommend your entire metropolis of Mariupol has fallen to Russian management after practically three months of brutal combating.

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 the town.”

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

Russian features: If confirmed, the autumn of the Azovstal metal plant means Russian forces are in full management of Mariupol, paving the best way 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 struggle on the entrance strains of the warfare within the Donbas area.