War in Ukraine; Russian attacks on Kharkiv and Mariupol continue
Russian attacks on eastern Ukraine continued on the evening of April 17. The Ukrainian president reported at least five dead and 15 wounded in the shelling of Kharkiv. The battle for the port of Mariupol continues after the end of the Russian ultimatum.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in a video message that Russian forces had bombed the city of Kharkiv, saying that at least five people were killed and 15 injured in a series of attacks on the city of a million people near the Russian border.
AFP reported several fires following attacks on residential areas in the city center.
Russia announced that its military had attacked and destroyed an arms factory in Bravura, near Kiev, on Sunday evening, April 17. This is the third attack on munitions factories in the areas near the Ukrainian capital since last Friday.
Meanwhile, the battle for the besieged port of Mariupol in southern Ukraine continues after the end of a Russian ultimatum that gave Ukrainian forces a deadline to surrender.
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced on Sunday evening that missile attacks on Mariupol and the bombardment of the city were underway.
According to the headquarters' report, supersonic bombers were used in these attacks, and attacks were carried out especially near the city and the Azovstal iron and steel plant.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said in an interview with the American network ABC that Mariupol had not fallen and that Ukrainian soldiers would "fight to the end."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kulba also noted in an interview with the American network CBS that his forces are surrounded by Russian forces who want to “raze” Mariupol. “The city no longer exists,” he added.
Russia has threatened to destroy Ukrainian forces stationed in Mariupol. It had given Ukrainian soldiers a deadline of noon on Sunday, April 17, to surrender. Russia says Ukrainian military units have been deployed at the Azovstal plant.
The Russian military has given a deadline for the surrender of Ukrainian soldiers and fighters stationed at the factory. The Russian military has said it will “destroy everyone” if resistance continues.
The Ukrainians have not heeded this ultimatum and have refused to give in. Local officials say that the factory site is home to a large number of civilians who have sought refuge there during the weeks of the siege of Mariupol, fearing Russian attacks.
Source: DW
