Mariupol mayor: Contact has been lost with Ukrainian forces in Azovstal plant

New fighting has erupted inside the Azovstal factory, where hundreds of residents are still trapped inside, according to Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boichenko.

There are the last defenders of the city.

Boichenko said, “Today there are heavy battles on the territory of our fortress, on the territory of Azovstal. Our brave guys are defending this fortress, but it is very difficult, because heavy artillery and tanks are firing all over the fortress; aviation is working, ships have approached and are also firing on the fortress.”

There were still 30 youngsters trapped at the plant who needed to be evacuated.

“They are waiting for a new negotiation procedure and a new evacuation mission,” he said.

He added, “We must understand that people are still dying. Unfortunately, enemy aviation and artillery are working and firing on the fortress constantly,” he said. Two young women were killed at Azovstal earlier this week.”

“Unfortunately, today there is no connection with the guys, there is no connection to understand what is happening, whether they are safe or not.”

Yesterday there was a connection with them; today, no more,” Boichenko exclaimed.