Zelenskyy on Mariupol: We hope to find the answers in the coming days or perhaps hours
OLGA KIRILENKO, VALENTINA ROMANENKO - MONDAY, 4 APRIL 2022, 16:18
President Volodymir Zelenskyy admits that one of the most complex situations in Ukraine at the moment is the question of Mariupol, and hopes Turkey will provide mediation.
Source: Zelenskyy in Bucha, in response to a UP question
Details: In response to the question about realistic scenarios for the liberation of Mariupol and whether a ‘de-blockade’ is being considered, the Head of State replied:
Quote: "One of the most difficult situations is presently happening In Mariupol. I’m afraid that I’m not at liberty to speak about all the scenarios being considered. We’re currently supporting our guys; they are having a difficult time. I’m on the line with Central Command every day.
We are discussing mediation with Turkey pertaining specifically to this mission. Not only there. I think in the coming days, and perhaps hours, we will have the answer to your difficult question. It all depends on you know who, regrettably."
What preceded the remarks: Turkey has announced that it is ready to appoint ships to organise the evacuation of civilians and the wounded from Mariupol by sea.
Background:
- Mariupol has been under a blockade since the beginning of March. The Russian military are not allowing humanitarian aid to be delivered, and are shelling civilians and bombing civilian buidings where children are sheltering.
- At the end of March, Mariupol City Council urged the rescue of the people of Mariupol, who are beginning to die of starvation.
- On 31 March the Command of the "Azov" National Guard Regiment called on the military and political leadership of Ukraine to conduct an operation to "de-blockade" Mariupol.
