has been going on for nearly two months since Russia announced its launch of a "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24. Mariupol is currently one of the most intense conflicts between Russia and Ukraine. The Russian Defense Minister said that except for the Azov Steel Plant, the Russian army has completely controlled Mariupol.
On April 21 local time, Russian President Putin ordered the cancellation of the strong attack on the Azov Steel Plant. Putin explained that this is to protect the lives of Russian soldiers.
Putin: Cancel the strong attack
According to CCTV News, on the 21st local time, Russian President Putin met with Defense Minister Shoigu. When Shoigu reported to Putin the current situation in Mariupol, it would take about 3 to 4 days to complete the combat operation of the Azov Steel Plant. Putin responded that the suggestion of a strong attack on Azov Steel Plant is not appropriate, and I ordered the cancellation of the strong attack. Putin said there is no need to attack the basement of Azov Steel Plant, but the factory area needs to be blocked.
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According to China News Service, citing foreign media reports, Putin said that blocking the area will make "a fly cannot fly."
Putin explained that the cancellation of the order to attack the Azov Steel Plant was to protect the lives of Russian soldiers. "This is a question we must consider... In this case, especially consider protecting the lives and health of our soldiers and officers. There is no need to enter these holes and crawl along industrial facilities."
Putin said that the combat operation to liberate Mariupol was successful and ordered the national medal to be awarded to the combatants.
Putin also said that Russia will ensure the safety of all militants who put down their weapons in Mariupol and stopped fighting.
Shoigu reported to Putin about the situation in Mariupol, saying that Mariupol was the capital of the nationalist "Azov Camp". Except for the Azov Steel Plant, the Russian army has completely controlled Mariupol. Shoigu said that there are currently about 2,000 militants surrounded by the Azov Steel Plant. Shoigu said that the Russian army and the Donetsk armed forces have taken all measures to ensure the safety of Mariupol civilians, and 142,000 Mariupol civilians have been evacuated.
On April 19, local residents walked past the damaged building in Mariupol. Image source: Xinhua News Agency (photo by Victor)
Previously, the leader of the Chechen Republic of Russia Kadyrov posted an audio on social media in the early morning of the 21st local time, saying that the Azov Steel Plant could be completely controlled around noon that day. He said that the strategy and personnel are ready, and it is only a matter of time before the Azov Steel Plant is captured.
Mariupol - This city with a population of more than 400,000 is an important port and transportation route along the coast of the Azov Sea in southeastern Ukraine, and is of great strategic significance to Russia and Ukraine. The result of the two sides' competition for Mariupol will have an important impact on the overall conflict situation in Russia-Ukraine. Many media analysts pointed out that if the Russian army controls Mariupol, it is equivalent to controlling Ukraine's economic lifeline and will control the Sea of Azov.
Regarding why the Ukrainian army can persist in resistance in Mariupol for a long time, some military analysts said that the Ukrainian army stationed in Mariupol can always resist by retreating to the city's huge Azov Steel Plant. The steel plant has underground bunkers that can withstand nuclear explosions, power supplies and a network of tunnels. These reinforced buildings allow Ukrainian combatants to move around and provide cover when Ukrainian and Russian forces clash.
Ukrainian president says joining EU is a priority
According to CCTV News, Ukrainian Independent News Agency quoted a speech by Mikhailo Podolak, adviser of the Ukrainian presidential office, on the 21st, saying that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine can be resolved through talks between the two heads of state. However, Ukraine will maintain a tough, legal and reasonable position during the talks. He also added: "Today, the Ukrainian armed forces have no choice but to secure our freedom only by achieving tactical victory in eastern Ukraine, which is crucial. But unfortunately, this will cost the Ukrainian soldiers a high price, including their lives."
Ukrainian President Zelensky said at a joint press conference held after talks with European Council President Michel on the 20th that Ukraine regards "joining the EU" as a priority.
Zelensky reiterated his willingness to hold talks with Russian President Putin to discuss ending the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. He also accused Russia of having no intention of resolving the conflict peacefully.
Zelensky also called on the EU to approve the sixth round of sanctions against Russia as soon as possible. He said that he hopes that the new sanctions will be used to Russia. Michelle said that the EU supports increasing pressure on Russia.
Ukrainian capital Kiev also reported new news. According to CCTV News, cinemas in Kiev, Ukraine have reopened since April 21, but only three cinemas can be opened at present. In addition, due to a curfew from 10 pm to 5 am, there will be no night scene videos.
The United States announced new sanctions on Russia
According to CCTV News News, on the 20th local time, the United States announced new sanctions against Russian commercial banks, etc. Russia had previously stated that the Russian economy has withheld unprecedented pressure, and the " blitzkrieg " launched by the West against the Russian economy has failed.
The US Treasury Department announced on the 20th that it imposed sanctions on a Russian commercial bank, more than 40 individuals and entities, and companies related to virtual currency mining.
Ukrainian conflict has begun, the United States has continuously increased sanctions on Russia in many fields. Russia Ross President Putin recently said that the purpose of sanctions by Western countries is to quickly destroy Russia's financial and economic situation, causing market panic, banking system collapse and large-scale commodity shortages. However, the Russian economy has withstood unprecedented pressure, and the "blitzkrieg" launched by the West against the Russian economy has failed.
Brazilian Economic Minister Paul Guedes recently stated that sanctions against Russia will only destroy the bridge of communication, Brazil oppose sanctions that have not been implemented by United Nations resolution.
Editor | Lu Xiangyong Wang Jiaqi
proofreading| Cheng Peng
Daily Economic News Comprehensive from CCTV News, Xinhua News Agency , China News Network, The Paper
Daily Economic News
