On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin ordered that the Russian military cancel its plans to storm the Azovstal factory in Mariupol, Ukraine. He also stated that he would prefer it to remain hermetically blocked.
Putin issued the order to Sergei Shoigu his defence minister who previously stated to Putin that more than 2000 Ukrainian fighters were still in the plant. It also has an underground component.
In a televised meeting at Kremlin, Putin stated to Shoigu that he considered the planned storming of the industrial area unnecessary. “I command you to cancel it.”
Putin claimed that he chose not to storm the Azovstal facility because he wanted to protect the lives of Russian soldiers.
He said, “There’s no reason to climb into these catacombs or crawl through these industrial facilities.” “Block this industrial area to prevent flies from passing through.”
Putin called upon the remaining Ukrainian fighters at Azovstal, who have not surrendered yet, and said Russia would treat them with respect as well as provide medical assistance for those who are injured.
Russia sent thousands of troops to Ukraine on February 24, in what is called a “special operation” to weaken its southern neighbour’s military capabilities and expel dangerous nationalists.
The West has placed severe sanctions on Russia to try to get it to withdraw its forces. However, the Ukrainian forces have resisted.
