The detonations in the Black Sea city in the southwest of the country could be heard early in the morning, an AFP reporter reported. In addition, at least three columns of black smoke and flames were probably seen over an industrial area. The metropolis is the largest port in Ukraine and central to the economy of the entire country.
British intelligence reported that a landing by sea attack by Russian troops was unlikely. The Russian naval forces would be putting themselves at great risk because the Ukrainian army had had enough time to prepare. The secret service also warned of mines in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. These are probably of Russian origin.
What is the goal of the Russian army?
After the withdrawal of Russian troops from the area around the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky had now expected Russian attacks in the Donbass and in the south of the country. “What is the goal of the Russian army? They want to conquer both the Donbass and southern Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said in a video message on Sunday night.
Zelenskyy said in his video message that in order to counteract the Russian plans, the defense of the Ukrainian armed forces in an easterly direction would be strengthened. “And knowing full well that the enemy has reserves to increase the pressure.” At the same time, Ukrainian units were pursuing Russian troops retreating north of Kyiv and near Chernihiv, Zelensky said. The battle for the “heroic” port city of Mariupol also means that large Russian units are tied down.
Opening of escape corridors
Meanwhile, the Russian military has announced that it will open escape corridors for foreigners in the port cities of Mariupol and Berdyansk on the Azov Sea on Sunday. As Major General Mikhail Mizintsev said, according to the TASS agency, foreigners could leave the embattled Mariupol in the direction of Berdyansk. Foreign citizens living in the port city of Berdyansk are also allowed to leave the area – either by land via Crimea or to the Ukrainian-controlled areas.
These foreigners are mostly crew members of cargo ships that have been blocked in the two ports since the beginning of the war. The Ukrainian leadership was asked to guarantee the security of the escape corridors.
Source: Nachrichten
