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On Sunday, Russian soldiers cleared mines and debris from the industrial grounds of the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol, after hundreds of Ukrainian troops who had been holed up in the vast plant for weeks were ordered to leave. Soldiers walked through the compound, swinging mine detectors over debris-strewn roads, while others checked under objects for explosive devices, according to video footage.
“The task was enormous; the enemy had planted their own landmines, and we had planted anti-personnel mines while blocking the enemy. So we have two weeks of work ahead of us “said Babai, a Russian soldier who only gave his first name.
On Friday, Russia announced that the last Ukrainian fighters defending Azovstal had decided to surrender. Ukraine has not confirmed this, but a commander of one of the factory’s units stated in a video that the troops had been purchased to stand down.
The fighters who had barricaded themselves in the tunnels had surrendered to Russian and pro-Russian forces.
The end of fighting in Mariupol, the largest city Russia has captured since its February 24 invasion of Ukraine, gave Russian President Vladimir Putin an infrequent victory after nearly three months of combat.
Mines were detonated in controlled explosions at Azovstal on Sunday, and debris was cleared from the steelworks’ roads with military bulldozers.
Drone footage showed the steel mills’ buildings in ruins, many of which were charred, partially collapsed, or simply a pile of debris.
“Over 100 explosives have been destroyed in the last two days. The work is ongoing “Babai stated.
Full control of Mariupol gives Russia instruction of a land route connecting the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow seized in 2014, to mainland Russia and parts of eastern Ukraine controlled by pro-Russian separatists.
Moscow refers to its actions as a “special military operation” aimed at disarming Ukraine and protecting it from fascists. Ukraine and the West deny the fascist charge and argue that the war is an unjustified act of aggression.
