War in Ukraine: The Fall of Mariupol

Mariupol (Ukraine) fell on Saturday May 21. Destroyed at 90%, the city was deserted by three quarters of its inhabitants. It is now in the hands of Russian forces. The Russian army broadcasts images of Ukrainian soldiers who have taken themselves prisoner, a way of showing that the enemies are well treated. These men held the Azovstal factory, the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance. After three months of incessant bombing, Mariupol finally gave in, which represents a strategic hold for the Russians. They are now the land junction between the two Ukrainian areas they already controlled.

This victory was acquired at the cost of terrible destruction: more than 20,000 people died. March 16 was one of the worst days with the bombardment of the theater of the city which sheltered a thousand civilians. 300 people died. A week earlier, the children’s hospital had been the target of Russian strikes. Images showed an injured pregnant woman: she and her baby did not survive. For its part, Moscow has always denied its responsibility in the drama.