<p>Workers removing rubble from a collapsed building in Ukrainian city Mariupol found around 200 corpses in the basement of the building, as per an advisor to mayor of Mariupol.</p>

<p>Petro Andryushchenko said on Telegram that the bodies were rotting and the stench had spread in the neighbourhood. Associated Press said that the report could not be independently verified.</p>

<p>Russia has claimed it has control over Mariupol, a key port city of Ukraine on its Azov Sea coast. Mariupol is the only major city Russia has been able to capture after its invasion that began on February 24. Russian bombing battered Mariupol for months and a last pocket of Ukrainian resistance remained in Azovstal steel factory. But the garrison has now surrendered.</p>

<p>Capture of Mariupol was considered vital by Russia as it failed to capture any major city. Mariupol being a port may enhance Russia's capabilities to transport men and material. The loss of port is likely to mean loss of vital trade to Ukraine.</p>

<p>Another factor that boosted Mariupol's imporatance in Russian calculus was its strategic location. Mariupol falls between Donbas and Crimea. Russia already controls Crimea and has influence in Donbas. Mariupol is a vital city enabling Russia to connect these two regions.</p>

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Workers removing rubble from a collapsed building in Ukrainian city Mariupol found around 200 corpses in the basement of the building, as per an advisor to mayor of Mariupol.

Workers removing rubble from a collapsed building in Ukrainian city Mariupol found around 200 corpses in the basement of the building, as per an advisor to mayor of Mariupol. Petro Andryushchenko said on Telegram that the bodies were rotting and the stench had spread in the neighbourhood. Associated Press said that the report could not be independently verified. Russia has claimed it has control over Mariupol, a key port city of Ukraine on its Azov Sea coast. Mariupol is the only major city Russia has been able to capture after its invasion that began on February 24. Russian bombing battered Mariupol for months and a last pocket of Ukrainian resistance remained in Azovstal steel factory. But the garrison has now surrendered. Capture of Mariupol was considered vital by Russia as it failed to capture any major city. Mariupol being a port may enhance Russia's capabilities to transport men and material. The loss of port is likely to mean loss of vital trade to Ukraine. Another factor that boosted Mariupol's imporatance in Russian calculus was its strategic location. Mariupol falls between Donbas and Crimea. Russia already controls Crimea and has influence in Donbas. Mariupol is a vital city enabling Russia to connect these two regions. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Two hundred dead bodies found under rubble in Mariupol: Report

World at War: Russia captures Mariupol, the biggest battlefield of the Ukraine war Why does the evolving nuclear doctrine of Russia matter? Estonian Foreign Minister slams Russia's threats to the Baltic states Why did Finland and Sweden set aside neutrality to join NATO? Can the United States win its war against the white supremacists? & Why is Nigeria repeatedly rocked by violence over blasphemy? Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth coverage of the world's biggest warzones World At War

World at War: Russia captures Mariupol, the biggest battlefield of the Ukraine war

In a latest update on Ukraine-Russia conflict, Ukraine said soldiers at Mariupol were ordered to stop fighting. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby stated that Russia takes Mariupol but behind goals. On the another side, Zelensky said Russia must be held financially responsible for the destruction.

Ukrainian troops surrender at Mariupol; siege at Azovstal steel plant ends

<p>The full control of the steel plant in Mariupol has been taken by the Russian forces, said country's defence ministry on Friday. It was the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance in the city. The last group of Ukrainian forces, which were holed up in Azovstal steel works in Mariupol, surrendered. There are around 531 people in this group. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development has marked the end of a three-month-long siege. In a statement, the ministry said, "The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant ... has been completely liberated." &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/959-ukrainian-fighters-have-surrendered-in-azovstal-steel-plant-claims-russia-480219" hreflang="en">959 Ukrainian fighters have surrendered in Azovstal steel plant, claims Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>On Friday, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also reported to President Vladimir Putin that both Mariupol and the steel plant have come under the control of Russians, it said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the Russian statement said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukraine under attack: 'Deliberate attempt to kill Ukrainians,' says President Zelensky</strong></p>

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<p>In total, 2,439 Ukraine's defenders have surrendered in the last few days, it added. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mariupol has been bombed by Russian forces for weeks amid fierce fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces. The city has been low on food, electricity and water amid large scale Russian bombing. The Red Cross and UN had earlier pulled out civilians from the Azovstal steelworks. &nbsp;</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</em></p>

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The full control of the steel plant in Mariupol has been taken by the Russian forces, said country's defence ministry on Friday. It was the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance in the city.

The full control of the steel plant in Mariupol has been taken by the Russian forces, said country's defence ministry on Friday. It was the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance in the city. The last group of Ukrainian forces, which were holed up in Azovstal steel works in Mariupol, surrendered. There are around 531 people in this group. The development has marked the end of a three-month-long siege. In a statement, the ministry said, "The territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant ... has been completely liberated." Also Read: 959 Ukrainian fighters have surrendered in Azovstal steel plant, claims Russia On Friday, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also reported to President Vladimir Putin that both Mariupol and the steel plant have come under the control of Russians, it said. "The underground facilities of the enterprise, where the militants were hiding, came under the full control of the Russian armed forces," the Russian statement said. Watch | Ukraine under attack: 'Deliberate attempt to kill Ukrainians,' says President Zelensky × In total, 2,439 Ukraine's defenders have surrendered in the last few days, it added. Mariupol has been bombed by Russian forces for weeks amid fierce fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces. The city has been low on food, electricity and water amid large scale Russian bombing. The Red Cross and UN had earlier pulled out civilians from the Azovstal steelworks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Siege at steel plant in Mariupol over as 531 Ukraine's defenders surrender, claims Russia

Russia’s defense ministry has said that more than 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers had surrendered at the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. The ministry also added that those in need of medical care were transferred to a hospital in the town of Novoazovsk.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Moscow claims over 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers surrender in Mariupol

Millions have fled Ukraine after Russian troops entered the Ukrainian territory on February 24. Cities have been destroyed and the effect can be seen on the environment too. Aerial bombings and missile attacks in Ukraine have led to a tremendous effect on the environment. Now several organisations are collecting data on environmental crimes committed after Russia’s invasion. Can Russia be held accountable for environmental crimes too?

Russia-Ukraine conflict: How environmental crimes have affected Kyiv?

After 82 days of bombing, the city of Mariupol is completely under Russian control, this after Ukrainian soldiers who were holed up in the Azovstal steel plant were evacuated on Monday. The steel plant had been the last holdout of the troops defending the city of Mariupol, it had become a symbol of resistance with soldiers living in underground tunnels and bunkers.

Ukrainian troops evacuate from Mariupol, Azovstal steel plant was symbol of Ukrainian resistance

<p>The port city of Mariupol has been one of the worst affected places in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, but the resistance shown by the Ukrainian soldiers in the area has also provided encouragement to the troops all around the country. Following a long standoff with Russian forces, more than 260 soldiers were evacuated from a steel plant in the besieged city on Tuesday (May 16).</p>

<p>Ukraine’s deputy defense minister Anna Malyar confirmed that the evacuation mission was successful with 53 wounded personnel being taken to hospital in Novoazovsk for treatment and the remaining 211 moving to Olenivka through a humanitarian corridor agreed by both nations. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-not-say-yes-says-erdogan-on-sweden-finlands-nato-membership-479680" hreflang="en">We will not say yes, says Erdogan on Sweden &amp; Finland's NATO membership</a></p>

<p>However, reports suggest that the steel plant housed around 600 Ukrainian soldiers and Malyar said that efforts are underway to rescue all of the soldiers at the Azovstal facility.</p>

<p>“Thanks to the defenders of Mariupol, Ukraine gained critically important time. And they fulfilled all their tasks. But it is impossible to unblock Azovstal by military means,” Malyar said according to AFP.</p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked the soldiers for their service and provided an update on their health. “We hope that we will be able to save the lives of our guys. There are severely wounded ones among them. They’re receiving care. Ukraine needs Ukrainian heroes alive.”</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mcdonalds-to-leave-russia-after-more-than-three-decades-over-ukraine-conflict-479623" hreflang="en">McDonald's to leave Russia after more than three decades over Ukraine conflict</a></p>

<p>According to local media reports, the troops managed to survive in the Mariupol steel plant amidst heavy shelling and attack from the Russian military. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces also lauded the bravery shown by the soldiers as they took to social media to praise them.</p>

<p>“The supreme military command ordered the commanders of the units stationed at Azovstal to save the lives of the personnel,” the General Staff said in a statement on its Facebook account. “Efforts to rescue defenders who remain on the territory of Azovstal continue.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Global Summit 2022: Is Ukraine caught in a frozen conflict?</strong></p>

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The port city of Mariupol has been one of the worst affected places in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, but the resistance shown by the Ukrainian soldiers in the area has also provided encouragement to the troops all around the country.

The port city of Mariupol has been one of the worst affected places in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, but the resistance shown by the Ukrainian soldiers in the area has also provided encouragement to the troops all around the country. Following a long standoff with Russian forces, more than 260 soldiers were evacuated from a steel plant in the besieged city on Tuesday (May 16). Ukraine’s deputy defense minister Anna Malyar confirmed that the evacuation mission was successful with 53 wounded personnel being taken to hospital in Novoazovsk for treatment and the remaining 211 moving to Olenivka through a humanitarian corridor agreed by both nations. Also read | We will not say yes, says Erdogan on Sweden & Finland's NATO membership However, reports suggest that the steel plant housed around 600 Ukrainian soldiers and Malyar said that efforts are underway to rescue all of the soldiers at the Azovstal facility. “Thanks to the defenders of Mariupol, Ukraine gained critically important time. And they fulfilled all their tasks. But it is impossible to unblock Azovstal by military means,” Malyar said according to AFP. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked the soldiers for their service and provided an update on their health. “We hope that we will be able to save the lives of our guys. There are severely wounded ones among them. They’re receiving care. Ukraine needs Ukrainian heroes alive.” Also read | McDonald's to leave Russia after more than three decades over Ukraine conflict According to local media reports, the troops managed to survive in the Mariupol steel plant amidst heavy shelling and attack from the Russian military. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces also lauded the bravery shown by the soldiers as they took to social media to praise them. “The supreme military command ordered the commanders of the units stationed at Azovstal to save the lives of the personnel,” the General Staff said in a statement on its Facebook account. “Efforts to rescue defenders who remain on the territory of Azovstal continue.” WATCH | WION Global Summit 2022: Is Ukraine caught in a frozen conflict? (With inputs from agencies)

More than 260 Ukrainian soldiers evacuated from Mariupol steel plant

More than 260 Ukrainian soldiers, have been evacuated from the besieged Azovstal steel plant in the port city of Mariupol, appearing to cede control of the city to Russia after 82 days of bombardment.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Over 260 Ukrainian soldiers evacuated from Azovstal

<p>Russia on Monday said it had agreed to evacuate wounded Ukrainian soldiers from besieged Azovstal steelworks in port city in Mariupol. Russian defense ministry said that the wounded soldiers will be taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk, a Russian controlled town.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"An agreement has been reached on the removal of the wounded," the Moscow defence ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>"A humanitarian corridor has been opened through which wounded Ukrainian servicemen are being taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk."</p>

<p>Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar told Ukrainian television: "Any information can harm the processes that are taking place ... Inasmuch as the process is underway, we can't say what's happening right now."</p>

<p>Russian forces have battered Mariupol for almost two months. The last pocket of Ukrainian resistance is Azovstal factory. It is a huge Soviet-era plant that was built during Josef Stalin's time. The factory has labyrinth of bunkers and tunnels underneath to withstand external attack.</p>

<p>Civillians along with Ukrainian soldiers have been holed up inside the steel plant. Most civillians have been evacuated from the plant after a deal brokered by the UN and International Committee of the Red Cross.</p>

<p>But Ukrainian fighters remain at the plant. Videos and pictures posted online have shown some with serious injuries.</p>

<p>Relatives appealed on Monday to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul to help extract the defenders.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia on Monday said it had agreed to evacuate wounded Ukrainian soldiers from besieged Azovstal steelworks in port city in Mariupol. Russian defense ministry said that the wounded soldiers will be taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk, a Russian controlled town.

Russia on Monday said it had agreed to evacuate wounded Ukrainian soldiers from besieged Azovstal steelworks in port city in Mariupol. Russian defense ministry said that the wounded soldiers will be taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk, a Russian controlled town. "An agreement has been reached on the removal of the wounded," the Moscow defence ministry said in a statement. "A humanitarian corridor has been opened through which wounded Ukrainian servicemen are being taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk." Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar told Ukrainian television: "Any information can harm the processes that are taking place ... Inasmuch as the process is underway, we can't say what's happening right now." Russian forces have battered Mariupol for almost two months. The last pocket of Ukrainian resistance is Azovstal factory. It is a huge Soviet-era plant that was built during Josef Stalin's time. The factory has labyrinth of bunkers and tunnels underneath to withstand external attack. Civillians along with Ukrainian soldiers have been holed up inside the steel plant. Most civillians have been evacuated from the plant after a deal brokered by the UN and International Committee of the Red Cross. But Ukrainian fighters remain at the plant. Videos and pictures posted online have shown some with serious injuries. Relatives appealed on Monday to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul to help extract the defenders. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Mariupol: Russia offers to evacuate wounded Ukrainian troops from steel plant

Defenders of Mariupol have rejected Russian offer to surrender and talks are underway to secure release of wounded soldiers. NATO member Turkey has proposed sea evacuation of soldiers.

Ukraine under attack: Defenders of Mariupol reject Russian offer to surrender

<p>The Russian invasion of Ukraine has officially entered its third month and more people are fleeing the war-torn cities in order to get away from the Russian military forces. The port-city of Mariupol has sustained a lot of damage and over the course of the invasion, it has turned into a ‘ghost town’ with most of the residents moving to neighbouring cities. Igor Pedin was among the people fleeing the besieged city, but his plight took him on a 225km journey to the city of Zaporizhzhia.</p>

<p>Pedin, who is 61 years old, decided to escape the city with nothing more than a small bag of supplies and his nine-year-old mongrel terrier Zhu-Zhu. The long journey took him through Russian-occupied territories, and it was a miracle, according to him, that he made it to Zaporizhzhia safely.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadbots-the-digital-soul-that-can-speak-for-you-after-your-death-478639">Deadbots: The digital soul that can speak for you after your death</a></p>

<p>According to the report of The Guardian, Pedin, a former ship’s cook, decided to leave Mariupol on April 20 when Russian military had already invaded his part of the city and were ‘shooting at will’.</p>

<p>He packed all his belongings carefully and the next morning, he decided to travel to the outskirts of the city where he was handed food and water by the Russian soldiers positioned at the barricades before he started walking on Zaporizhzhia Road.</p>

<p>“I looked like a vagabond to them, I was nothing. I was dirty and covered from dust, as my house had been filled with a fog of smoke. I walked out of the city by this motorway and at the top I turned around. I looked back down at the city and I said to myself, it was the right decision. I said goodbye. There was an explosion. I turned and walked on,” Pedin told The Guardian in an exclusive interview.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-president-and-ruler-sheikh-khalifa-bin-zayed-al-nahyan-passes-away-478632">UAE President and ruler Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan passes away</a></p>

<p>It took him a long time and a lot of hardship but he was finally able to reach the central part of Zaporizhzhia where he was given a pass by the Donetsk People’s Republic militia.</p>

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine has officially entered its third month and more people are fleeing the war-torn cities in order to get away from the Russian military forces.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has officially entered its third month and more people are fleeing the war-torn cities in order to get away from the Russian military forces. The port-city of Mariupol has sustained a lot of damage and over the course of the invasion, it has turned into a ‘ghost town’ with most of the residents moving to neighbouring cities. Igor Pedin was among the people fleeing the besieged city, but his plight took him on a 225km journey to the city of Zaporizhzhia. Pedin, who is 61 years old, decided to escape the city with nothing more than a small bag of supplies and his nine-year-old mongrel terrier Zhu-Zhu. The long journey took him through Russian-occupied territories, and it was a miracle, according to him, that he made it to Zaporizhzhia safely. Also read | Deadbots: The digital soul that can speak for you after your death According to the report of The Guardian, Pedin, a former ship’s cook, decided to leave Mariupol on April 20 when Russian military had already invaded his part of the city and were ‘shooting at will’. He packed all his belongings carefully and the next morning, he decided to travel to the outskirts of the city where he was handed food and water by the Russian soldiers positioned at the barricades before he started walking on Zaporizhzhia Road. “I looked like a vagabond to them, I was nothing. I was dirty and covered from dust, as my house had been filled with a fog of smoke. I walked out of the city by this motorway and at the top I turned around. I looked back down at the city and I said to myself, it was the right decision. I said goodbye. There was an explosion. I turned and walked on,” Pedin told The Guardian in an exclusive interview. Also read | UAE President and ruler Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan passes away It took him a long time and a lot of hardship but he was finally able to reach the central part of Zaporizhzhia where he was given a pass by the Donetsk People’s Republic militia. WATCH WION TV LIVE HERE -

The Ukrainian man who walked 225km to safety from Mariupol to Zaporizhzhia

Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been fighting for nearly 80 days now as troops on Kremlin’s order make advances into Ukraine’s territories. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have been ordering their troops for offensive and counter-offensive in different cities including Kyiv, Mariupol, Kherson and others since the Russian troops marched into Ukrainian territory on February 24 this year. Russia successfully occupied Ukrainian regions in a battle that has been going on for months now. Notably, Luhansk and Donetsk were the regions in Ukraine that were already occupied by Russia before February 24. Which other territories have Russia occupied? And where does Ukraine hold back Russian troops?

Ukraine conflict: Russian-controlled territories vs Ukraine’s counter-offensive

<p>On Monday, Russia commemorates its 1945 victory over Nazi Germany with a military display, even as its army confronts Kyiv's soldiers in Ukraine's east.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russian troops and volunteers fighting in the Donbass region of Ukraine are fighting for their Motherland.</p>

<p>"You are fighting for your Motherland, its future.The death of every soldier and officer is painful for us.The state will do everything to take care of these families," he said.</p>

<p>Putin claims that the West is planning a punitive attack in Donbas, Ukraine's eastern region, where Russia's military actions are now concentrated.</p>

<p>He said Russia "urged Europe to find a fair compromise, but they didn't want to hear us".</p>

<p>"In Kyiv they were saying they might get nuclear weapons and NATO started exploring the lands close to us and that became an obvious threat to our country and to our borders," Putin adds. "Everything was telling us that there is a need to fight."</p>

<p>In front of nearly 10,000 troops, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his justifications for the country's "special military operation" in Ukraine, alleging that the West was planning an attack on Crimea and that Moscow had "no other choice."</p>

<p>"NATO countries did not want to listen to us. They had different plans, and we saw them. They were planning an invasion of our historic lands, including Crimea … Russia gave a preemptive rebuff to aggression. It was a forced, timely, and only right decision.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/victory-day-parade-russia-marks-its-historic-win-over-nazis-in-1945-477504"><strong>Pictures | Victory Day Parade: Russia marks its historic win over Nazis in 1945</strong></a></p>

<p>As he launched the annual parade commemorating the triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II, Putin claimed Russian servicemen in Ukraine were defending the Motherland from a "absolutely unacceptable threat."</p>

<p>Putin told tens of thousands of servicemen assembled in Moscow's Red Square that Russian forces in Ukraine were still fighting Nazism, but that it was crucial to "do all possible" to prevent another global conflict.</p>

<p>"You are fighting for the motherland, for its future, for no one to forget the lessons of World War II," Putin told Russian servicemen who had returned from the war in Ukraine.<br />
<br />
"For Russia, For Victory, Hurrah!" he exclaimed to the assembled warriors as he concluded his address.</p>

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On Monday, Russia commemorates its 1945 victory over Nazi Germany with a military display, even as its army confronts Kyiv's soldiers in Ukraine's east. During the ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russian troops and volunteers fighting in the Donbass region of Ukraine are fighting for their Motherland.

On Monday, Russia commemorates its 1945 victory over Nazi Germany with a military display, even as its army confronts Kyiv's soldiers in Ukraine's east. During the ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russian troops and volunteers fighting in the Donbass region of Ukraine are fighting for their Motherland. "You are fighting for your Motherland, its future.The death of every soldier and officer is painful for us.The state will do everything to take care of these families," he said. Putin claims that the West is planning a punitive attack in Donbas, Ukraine's eastern region, where Russia's military actions are now concentrated. He said Russia "urged Europe to find a fair compromise, but they didn't want to hear us". "In Kyiv they were saying they might get nuclear weapons and NATO started exploring the lands close to us and that became an obvious threat to our country and to our borders," Putin adds. "Everything was telling us that there is a need to fight." In front of nearly 10,000 troops, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his justifications for the country's "special military operation" in Ukraine, alleging that the West was planning an attack on Crimea and that Moscow had "no other choice." "NATO countries did not want to listen to us. They had different plans, and we saw them. They were planning an invasion of our historic lands, including Crimea … Russia gave a preemptive rebuff to aggression. It was a forced, timely, and only right decision. Pictures | Victory Day Parade: Russia marks its historic win over Nazis in 1945 As he launched the annual parade commemorating the triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II, Putin claimed Russian servicemen in Ukraine were defending the Motherland from a "absolutely unacceptable threat." Putin told tens of thousands of servicemen assembled in Moscow's Red Square that Russian forces in Ukraine were still fighting Nazism, but that it was crucial to "do all possible" to prevent another global conflict. "You are fighting for the motherland, for its future, for no one to forget the lessons of World War II," Putin told Russian servicemen who had returned from the war in Ukraine. "For Russia, For Victory, Hurrah!" he exclaimed to the assembled warriors as he concluded his address. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Victory Day Parade | 'Absolutely unacceptable threat': Russia defending motherland in Ukraine, says Putin

Civilians were rescued from Azovstal steelworks in the port city of Mariupol. Ahead of the Victory Day parade in Moscow, what lies ahead for the besieged port city? Watch this report.

Civilians evacuated from Azovstal steelworks | What next for Mariupol?

<p><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.</em></p>

<p>Lugansk regional governor said at least 60 people who had taken shelter in a village may have been killed after it was reportedly hit by a Russian airstrike.</p>

<p>"The bombs fell on the school and unfortunately it was completely destroyed. There were a total of 90 people, 27 were saved," Lugansk regional governor Sergii Gaida said adding, "sixty people who were in the school are very probably dead."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/victory-will-be-ours-says-putin-on-ukraine-war-ahead-of-may-9-celebrations-477367">Also Read:&nbsp;Victory will be ours, says Putin on Ukraine war</a></p>

<p>Rescue workers are reportedly looking for survivors amid the rubble, reports say. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Azov battalion said Russian forces fired at the Azovstal steel plant even as Ukraine's government informed hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the plant.</p>

<p>Ukraine forces in Azovstal have said "surrender is not an option" as Russian troops continue to sweep through Mariupol.</p>

<p>Russia is set to celebrate the 77th anniversary over Nazi Germany in World War II on May 9 with MiG-29 fighter jets and weapons to be put on display.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Civilians evacuated from Azovstal Steel Plant in Mariupol</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, reports say Russian troops have surrounded Severodonetsk city even as officials claim at least 15,000 civilians remain in the city.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Ukraine had said it had sunk a landing craft near the Black Sea's Snake Island in a drone strike. However, Russia is yet to confirm the strike.</p>

<p>As the war in Ukraine drags on, Russia had said earlier that it would boycott a UN Security Council meeting on EU's Political and Security Committee (PSC) as relations between the West and Russia continues to go downhill.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Lugansk regional governor said at least 60 people who had taken shelter in a village may have been killed after it was reportedly hit by a Russian airstrike. "The bombs fell on the school and unfortunately it was completely destroyed. There were a total of 90 people, 27 were saved," Lugansk regional governor Sergii Gaida said adding, "sixty people who were in the school are very probably dead." Also Read: Victory will be ours, says Putin on Ukraine war Rescue workers are reportedly looking for survivors amid the rubble, reports say. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Azov battalion said Russian forces fired at the Azovstal steel plant even as Ukraine's government informed hundreds of civilians were evacuated from the plant. Ukraine forces in Azovstal have said "surrender is not an option" as Russian troops continue to sweep through Mariupol. Russia is set to celebrate the 77th anniversary over Nazi Germany in World War II on May 9 with MiG-29 fighter jets and weapons to be put on display. Watch: Civilians evacuated from Azovstal Steel Plant in Mariupol Meanwhile, reports say Russian troops have surrounded Severodonetsk city even as officials claim at least 15,000 civilians remain in the city. On Saturday, Ukraine had said it had sunk a landing craft near the Black Sea's Snake Island in a drone strike. However, Russia is yet to confirm the strike. As the war in Ukraine drags on, Russia had said earlier that it would boycott a UN Security Council meeting on EU's Political and Security Committee (PSC) as relations between the West and Russia continues to go downhill. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Sixty people in school probably dead, claims Ukraine governor after Russian strike

In Ukraine, all women, children and elderly civilians have been evacuated from the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. This comes after a week-long effort to rescue hundreds of people who were stuck at the plant.

Russian invasion of Ukraine: Civilians evacuated from Azovstal Steel Plant in Mariupol

Russia's push in eastern Ukraine & the fate of Mariupol

Two Ukrainian sisters managed to escape the besieged city of Mariupol, all they have are belongings of their video diaries, suitcases and family pictures as there's no hope of any sign from their mother and family but still the two girls hope to be reunited with their family.

Watch | Two Ukrainian sisters manage to escape Mariupol, made video diary amid Russian shelling

Almost 500 civilians have been evacuated from the devastated city of Mariupol and its besieged Azovstal steel plant in a UN-led rescue operation. UN and Red Cross-led evacuations began last weekend.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: UN evacuates almost 500 civilians from Mariupol

<p>Russian forces on Wednesday were fighting for control of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol, as per Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian soldiers are currently holed up inside Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. There are civilians inside along with the soldiers.</p>

<p>As per Mariupol authorities, 200 civilians along with soldiers are inside the network of underground bunkers in the steel plant.</p>

<p>Civilians who were evacuated to safety this week under a United Nations-led deal voiced fear for those still trapped inside.</p>

<p>"God forbid more shells hit near the bunkers where the civilians are," said evacuee Tetyana Trotsak, who was among dozens of Ukrainians who reached the Ukraine-controlled town of Zaporizhzhia on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>Gravitas: Russian State TV issues a chilling warning</strong></p>

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<p>Mariupol is important to Russia as it connected territories controlled by Russia in the south and east. Russia was not able to capture Ukrainian capital Kyiv after its invasion of the country commenced on February 24. After this, Russia has concentrated its fire on Mariupol which is largely under Russian control.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia`s military said it would pause military activity at Azovstal during Thursday daytime and the following two days to allow civilians to evacuate.</p>

<p>Humanitarian corridors will be opened "for the evacuation of civilians (working personnel, women and children) whose presence in the underground facilities of the plant (has) been announced by the Kyiv authorities," Russia`s military said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-modi-to-hold-closed-door-talks-on-russia-ukraine-war-reports-476410">Macron, Modi to hold closed-door talks on Russia-Ukraine war: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky urged United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to help rescue more people from the plant.</p>

<p>"The lives of the people who remain there are in danger. Everyone is important to us. We ask for your help in saving them," Zelenskiy said.</p>

<p>Over 300 civilians were evacuated from Mariupol and other areas in southern Ukraine as part of a joint U.N.-Red Cross operation that concluded on Wednesday, U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine Osnat Lubrani said.</p>

<p>"While this second evacuation of civilians from areas in Mariupol and beyond is significant, much more must be done to make sure all civilians caught up in fighting can leave, in the direction they wish," Lubrani said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.</em></strong></p>

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Russian forces on Wednesday were fighting for control of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol, as per Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian soldiers are currently holed up inside Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol.

Russian forces on Wednesday were fighting for control of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol, as per Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian soldiers are currently holed up inside Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. There are civilians inside along with the soldiers. As per Mariupol authorities, 200 civilians along with soldiers are inside the network of underground bunkers in the steel plant. Civilians who were evacuated to safety this week under a United Nations-led deal voiced fear for those still trapped inside. "God forbid more shells hit near the bunkers where the civilians are," said evacuee Tetyana Trotsak, who was among dozens of Ukrainians who reached the Ukraine-controlled town of Zaporizhzhia on Tuesday. Gravitas: Russian State TV issues a chilling warning × Mariupol is important to Russia as it connected territories controlled by Russia in the south and east. Russia was not able to capture Ukrainian capital Kyiv after its invasion of the country commenced on February 24. After this, Russia has concentrated its fire on Mariupol which is largely under Russian control. Russia`s military said it would pause military activity at Azovstal during Thursday daytime and the following two days to allow civilians to evacuate. Humanitarian corridors will be opened "for the evacuation of civilians (working personnel, women and children) whose presence in the underground facilities of the plant (has) been announced by the Kyiv authorities," Russia`s military said. Also Read | Macron, Modi to hold closed-door talks on Russia-Ukraine war: Reports Meanwhile, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky urged United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to help rescue more people from the plant. "The lives of the people who remain there are in danger. Everyone is important to us. We ask for your help in saving them," Zelenskiy said. Over 300 civilians were evacuated from Mariupol and other areas in southern Ukraine as part of a joint U.N.-Red Cross operation that concluded on Wednesday, U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine Osnat Lubrani said. "While this second evacuation of civilians from areas in Mariupol and beyond is significant, much more must be done to make sure all civilians caught up in fighting can leave, in the direction they wish," Lubrani said. (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russian troops fight for control of last Ukrainian stronghold in Mariupol

Tears in Mariupol as evacuation takes centerstage amid Ukraine war

A couple of months have gone by and the Russian invasion of Ukraine is still ongoing. Amid all the chaos and destruction. Listen in to the ordeal of a couple living off rations in the besieged port city of Mariupol.

Watch: The ordeal of a couple living off rations in the besieged port city of Mariupol

Russia resumed its assault on the encircled Azovstal steel works in Mariupol, after a ceasefire broke down on Tuesday with some civilians trapped underground. Russian forces are hitting the Azovstal complex with airstrikes and trying to storm it.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Moscow resumes strikes on Mariupol steel plant

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