How the Azovstal steelworks turned into the final outpost

Ukrainian troops are defending the Azovstal steel and iron works in Mariupol, which are now almost entirely occupied by Russian forces.

Militaries, marines, and medics are believed to be in bomb shelters beneath the industrial complex.

Initially, a bloody battle was expected, with Russian units attempting to locate the remaining Ukrainian forces in the tunnels below.

Putin alters his strategy

On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin changed his mind and ordered a blockade of the complex instead.

The situation on the ground is sketchy. Most reports come from Russian military units who want to appear in control of the site.

So, what has happened at Azovstal, and how has this industrial complex become the last line of defence for Mariupol?

Russian forces took over parts of Mariupol, but the Azovstal plant remained Ukrainian.

On March 30, the leader of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) declared that the location was one of the key resistance sites against Russian soldiers within Mariupol.

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