The Azov Sea Ukrainian coastal city of Mariupol has been turned into a living hell for its remaining inhabitants and besieged defenders by the invading Russian forces currently there, Petro Andryushchenko, advisor to Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko, says.
After weeks of continuous bombing and shelling by Russian forces the city has been reduced to rubble and transformed into a ghetto, Andryushchenko wrote on his Telegram channel on April 27.
Entry into the city is not allowed and the movement of citizens who still remain is very restricted, as they can move around if they have a certificate showing they have passed through rigorous filtration.
According to Andryushchenko: “Filtration. Since yesterday [April 26], the occupiers have banned entry into the city, even from Novoazovsk. In addition, movement within the city is limited. It is impossible for citizens of Ukraine to get to Mariupol without a certificate of passing filtration. Citizens of Russia and the Donetsk people’s republic are allowed entry without filtering for three days. The certificate of filtration for all others is valid for only seven days. In addition, the occupiers have announced an additional paper document – a permit to stay on the streets. The city is increasingly being turned into a real ghetto. The attitude of the occupiers towards the people of Mariupol is of slaves, despite the pro-Ukrainian or pro-Russian views of inhabitants. Some concessions were made to the elderly and children. All others are in the same state of constant psychological pressure.”
Filtration is a humiliating procedure introduced by Russian occupiers of carrying out checks of personal belongings and bodies for the presence of tattoos and traces of weapons.
Andryushchenko said that air attacks on the Azovstal steel works are not diminishing. Despite the statements made by Russian authorities that the city has been captured and is calm, repeated attempts are being made to storm the remaining bastion of Ukrainian resistance.
Although news reports by the occupiers about fighting have suddenly stopped, street fighting continue in the sector around the Azovstal plant.
