Russia claims, more than 1700 Ukrainian fighters surrender in Maripol

Russia and Ukraine are nearing three months of war. The war between the two countries has caused great devastation. Meanwhile, Moscow claimed on Thursday that 1,730 Ukrainian fighters had surrendered in Maripol in three days, including 771 in the past 24 hours. 

The Russian Defense Ministry says thousands of Ukrainian fighters have surrendered at the Azhovstal steel factory in the war-torn city of Maripol so far this week. Russian troops stormed the plant on 19 April and destroyed large areas of it. However, despite the overwhelming numbers of Russian troops, Ukrainian troops stood for several days.

The leader of the Russian-backed separatists in control of the area said about half of the fighters remained inside the steel factory, where underground bunkers and tunnels had protected them from weeks of Russian bombing. Denis Pushilin told the Soloviev Live Internet television channel that more than half have already gone. More than half have laid down their weapons. He said that the injured have been given medical treatment, while those who were healthy were taken to the colony and are being treated well.