Putin abandons plan to attack final Mariupol stronghold and declares 'victory' in city

21 April 2022, 09:10 | Updated: 21 April 2022, 14:03

Putin has claimed Mariupol has been 'liberated' after a brutal siege that lasted for weeks
Putin has claimed Mariupol has been 'liberated' after a brutal siege that lasted for weeks. Picture: Alamy

By Asher McShane

Vladimir Putin has declared victory over the Ukrainian city of Mariupol after his forces spent weeks reducing it to rubble in a horrific siege, claiming the city is 'liberated'.

The Russian President declared the "liberation" of the city Mariupol after his forces completely destroyed it during the two-month siege.

In a televised clip, Putin spoke with minister Sergei Shoigu, telling him to block off the Azovstal steel plant, where the last Ukrainian troops are holed up, "so that a fly can't get in".

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told Putin that Russian forces now control the Ukrainian port city apart from the plant.

Putin cancelled plans to storm the Azovstal plant in Mariupol, where the final Ukrainian troops have been holding out against the Russian onslaught.

He said there was "no need to climb into these catacombs and crawl underground through these industrial facilities".

He called for his forces to "block off this industrial area so that not even a fly can escape".

It is thought there are around 2,000 Ukrainian troops holed up in the plant, which has become the last stand for Kyiv’s forces in the area.

Earlier, a top ally of Vladimir Putin claimed Moscow’s military would seize the city later today.

This story is being updated

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The Environment Secretary was speaking to LBC's Nick Ferrari

Migrant numbers 'need to be brought down' minister tells LBC as Tories at odds over immigration levels

The Dutch translation of Endgame appeared to identify two Royal Family members 'accused of speaking about Archie's skin colour

Dutch speakers say edition naming Royals ‘as racist’ in Omid Scobie’s book can't be a mistranslation - as copies pulped

Destroyed homes

Mediators look to extend truce in Gaza on final day

Virtual and phone appointments can miss serious illnesses, study finds

Patients 'at risk' as telephone and online GP appointments can miss serious illnesses, study finds

Christopher Luxon

New Zealand PM plans to ban mobile use in schools and repeal tobacco controls

India Tunnel rescue

41 workers emerge after 17 days trapped in collapsed Indian road tunnel

The Clutha disaster left 10 people dead

'I was traumatised and blamed myself': Survivors of Glasgow helicopter crash speak out about tragedy 10 years on

The pair were caught in yet another row.

I’m A Celeb’s Nigel Farage and Nella Rose embroiled in clash over cultural appropriation

Emily Hand is afraid to speak above a whisper after being kidnapped, her father has said.

Freed Irish-Israeli hostage Emily Hand, 9, was once a ‘happy noisy girl’ but now ‘won’t speak above a whisper’

Scobie's book Endgame had to be pulled from the shelves in the Netherlands

Who is Omid Scobie and why is a royal accused of asking about Archie's skin colour?

Sunak has invited the ire of Greece

'Even Israel and Hamas talk!': Rishi Sunak accused of 'disrespecting the Greek people' in Elgin Marbles snub

Amazon offices in New York

Amazon launches business chatbot powered by generative AI

Brits are in line for a payout if they use less energy

Brits in line for payout if they use less energy on Wednesday night as National Grid scheme kicks in

Scobie's book has accidentally printed with the name of a royal in the passage discussing concern about Archie's skin colour

Second royal 'named as racist' in Dutch translation of Omid Scobie’s book as author insists he’s not to blame

The coffin of former first lady Rosalynn Carter inside Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta

Rosalynn Carter honoured by family, friends, US first ladies and presidents

Sean 'Diddy' Combs

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs temporarily steps down as Revolt chairman amid allegations