Russians issue inter-city passes for besieged Mariupol

Russian troops have begun to issue inter-city passes for Ukrainians in the city of Mariupol which has been besieged since February, locals will not be allowed even to go to the street without the passes,Mariupol mayor’s adviser Petro Andriushchenko has stated. 

“Hundreds of citizens are standing in queues to get the passes,” he said, adding that occupiers have closed the entry and the exit of the city.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Sunday that Mariupol has not yet fallen despite Russian demands that Ukrainians surrender.

“There [are] still our military forces, our soldiers, so they will fight until the end,” Shmyhal told ABC News. 

Shmyhal reiterated that the situation is “beyond critical,” in the city.

“They have no water, no food, no heat, no electricity,” Shmyhal said. “They ask all of our partners to support and help stop this humanitarian catastrophe.”

Mariupol is a strategic city for Russia as it would allow Russian troops in the south to connect with troops in the Donbas region. It would also give Russia a key port.