Mariupol is the “biggest humanitarian catastrophe”.
The Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, called the situation in Mariupol “the biggest humanitarian catastrophe” since the beginning of Russia’s aggression – and perhaps the worst catastrophe of the century, as the southeastern port city faces constant bombardment by Russian forces.
Speaking at a news conference in Washington on Friday, Shmyhal said thousands of people had died in Mariupol, adding: “We will see the horrific atrocities when it is liberated from the Russians.”
He said Russian troops were “destroying absolutely everything”, including the shelters where civilians are staying.
About 100,000 people remain stranded in Mariupol since it was besieged by Russian forces on March 1, according to Ukrainian officials.
Ukrainian officials also claim that more than 20,000 people in the city have died during the attacks.
On Friday, Shmyhal said civilians including women and children were hiding in the Azovstal steel plant, the last stronghold of Ukrainian defense forces inside the city.
He stressed that the Russian military is still encircling the area and Ukraine is talking to partners to negotiate an evacuation corridor.
He also called on ambassadors from all countries, including the United States, to return to their embassies in Kiev.