Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba reportedly told CBS that the city of Mariupol “no longer exists.” Apparently, the city has been almost entirely destroyed and has suffered roughly 21,000 casualties
Any Ukrainian forces, or civilians left in the area have been completely encircled by Russian forces, after 7 weeks of fighting. The foreign minister alleges that the Russian army seems to desire the destruction of the city “at all costs”.
An estimated 100,000 citizens still reside in the city that has been almost completely turned to rubble. Prior to the war, Mariupol was home to more than 450,000 Ukrainian citizens.
For those who remain in the city, food, water, and other resources necessary for survival are incredibly scarce.
The Russian Army has killed hundreds of residents all at once through heinous acts such as the bombing of a maternity ward that resulted in the death of at least 300 people. Many of the casualties were pregnant women.
Russia appears to be under the impression that around 2,500 Ukrainian warriors have been using underground tunnels found at a steel plant to base a resistance. In response, Moscow has given the city a “surrender or die” warning that takes effect after Easter.