Here’s why Russia is after Mariupol — and why it may not be the game changer it once was
Global News
Experts say capturing the Ukrainian port city, while achieving a strategic goal, is now much more about giving Vladimir Putin a symbolic victory.
After weeks of bombardment and claims of tens of thousands of civilians killed, the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol appears to be on the verge of falling into Russian hands.
But experts say capturing the city, while achieving a strategic goal, is now much more about giving Russian President Vladimir Putin something significant to show for an invasion that has so far failed to achieve its major objectives.
“Putin desperately needs a victory,” said retired Canadian Maj.-Gen. Denis Thompson, now a fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute.
“The pressure is on to give him a victory somewhere, and it seems that Mariupol is where he will get it, even if it results in the complete destruction of the city.”
Russia said on Wednesday more than 1,000 Ukrainian marines, among the last defenders holed up in the Azovstal industrial district of the city, had surrendered, though Ukraine did not confirm that.
Mariupol has been reduced to “ashes,” according to Ukrainian officials. Satellite images and photos taken on the ground show most infrastructure has been destroyed by constant Russian shelling and missile attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Wednesday that Russia was ramping up efforts in the south and east — suggesting Mariupol remains a key target after nearly seven weeks of fighting.
Mariupol, home to more than 400,000 people before the war, is the biggest Ukrainian city on the Sea of Azov and the main port serving the industries and agriculture of eastern Ukraine. It is also the site of some of Ukraine’s biggest metals plants.
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