Russia aims to turn Mariupol into military shipment, war transport repair hub

That’s according to Petro Andriushchenko, the adviser to the city mayor, Ukrinform reports.

"At the Illich Metal Works, the occupiers began refitting their military equipment. Under the supervision of the occupiers and with the involvement of collaborators, local people are working there for food, without any pay. Gradually, the hypotheses and analytical conclusions regarding the future of Mariupol as a military transport and repair base are being confirmed," Andriushchenko wrote.

As reported, Russia's aggression caused in Mariupol one of the biggest humanitarian disasters recorded. As a result of constant enemy shelling, the city has been almost completely wiped out.

Read also: Russia to run fake story on Mariupol Drama Theater bombing - intelligence

Today, Mariupol has no stable supplies of electricity, water, and gas. Since the Russian invasion, about 22,000 civilians have been killed in the city. More than 50,000 were deported to Russia and the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region.

Currently, more than 100,000 residents remain in the blocked area. Mariupol is facing an environmental disaster and an outbreak of infectious diseases.