The end of the Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol, in the south-east of Ukraine, is played out in the coming days. The Ukrainian forces announce that they are preparing for the fall of this strategic port while the pro-Russian separatists claim to have conquered the port area. kyiv has also announced that it expects a major offensive in the Donbass region in eastern Ukraine shortly. And, on the eve of this great showdown among the pro-Russian separatists, it’s time for insurance.
With our special correspondent in Donetsk, Anissa El Jabri
The end of a month-long siege is looming. Everything is now being played out in the industrial zone of Mariupol and, this time, among the pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk, we are showing our confidence. Facing the press, the head of the army, Edouard Bassourine, calmly unfolds his plan for the 1,500 to 3,000 Ukrainians (these are his figures) who are entrenched there.
” Destroy all military equipment »
” The principal objectivehe said, is to totally block off this industrial zone, to destroy all important military equipment, so that they can no longer reach the residential areas of the city. And after that, we will decide how we are going to hunt them. »
For the other battle, the decisive one, that of Donbass, there too the plan is ready, announces this official: ” We are now preparing to encircle the strongest group of military forces in Ukraine. According to our initial data, this group is estimated at 90,000, 100,000 soldiers. It is the best combat-ready unit Ukraine has. We will isolate this group. And if he doesn’t surrender, he will be totally destroyed. Ukraine will then have lost practically all of its army. And our goal of demilitarization will be achieved at 90%. »
It is only afterwards, and only afterwards, that for him, Russia will be able to consider starting a diplomatic process.