Vladimir Putin declares success in taking the Ukraine port city Mariupol in spite of the resistance of the Ukrainian troops that are holding out in a steel plant. Putin needs a victory in his specialized military operation. And taking the port city gives Russia access from Donbase to Crimea.
I have never been to Mariupol. But looking at the images of the ruined city, I can’t fathom how anyone can honestly declare the siege a victory. 80 to 90 percent of the buildings in the city have been destroyed, not to mention the civilization lost. The city has little left.
Perhaps by “sealing off” the steel plant, some Russian troops can be freed up from Mariupol to other areas in Donbase. Or the land bridge from Crimea to Donbase will facilitate the movement of Russian military resources. Too soon to tell. But the attrition and human costs can hardly be called a success.
What do you think will happen to the Ukrainians holding up in the steel plant?
Update 1, here.
Running with Buddha 