Natalia Zinets, Max Hunder

KYIV, Reuters – Ukrainian officials warned Wednesday of dire consequences for civilians and last fighters at Mariupol. The city was under Russian bombardment since weeks. Its mayor claimed that the Russians had transformed it into a “medieval ghetto”.

Lyudmyla Dmitrova, human rights ombudswoman and Lyudmyla Denisova called on the United Nations (and Red Cross) to assist in the evacuation of wounded fighters huddled inside the city’s huge steel works. They claimed that many had died from the destruction at the makeshift hospital.

Telegram user, Sheryl A. Smith wrote that the aggressor doesn’t give wounded soldiers a chance of survival. Due to infection risk, doctors must amputate the legs (of wounded), even if they have minor injuries, because there is no access to antibiotics or medical instruments.

Reuters was unable to verify conditions at the Azovstal steelworks or the destruction of an underground hospital this week.

Russia denied targeting civilians. Denisova did not respond to Denisova’s statements immediately.

Denisova appealed the United Nations (UN) and the International Committee of the Red Cross to “all possible steps to help and protect wounded civilians who have not become combatants”.

She stated that there were many wounded from the estimated 1,000 or more fighters still present in the steel works. They could not independently confirm the numbers.

Hell on Earth

After capturing most of the city on Tuesday, Ukrainian officials claimed Russia would continue its assault against the Azovstal plant Wednesday.

After the bombing, Azovstal caught fire once more. Telegram: Petro Andryushchenko wrote that there was hell in the world.

According to Kyiv, it’s likely that Mariupol has been under siege since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 24. The Russians have taken control of the city and cut power, food and heating supply.

Mariupol, which was once home to over 400,000 residents before the war, is now a deserted urban area. According to local authorities, Mariupol is home to between 150,000-170,000 people after massive evacuations that were organized by U.N.

Boichenko said that the Russian occupiers had turned Mariupol into an “eternal ghetto” and has since left the country.

Without proper medical attention and medicine, there will be epidemics. The vast majority of current residents are old and infirm. The rate of mortality in vulnerable populations will rise exponentially if there are not adequate conditions.”

Moscow claims that the “special military operation” was launched to arm Ukraine and expel what it considers anti-Russian nationalists. This is an unprovoked war on aggression, according to the West as well as Ukraine.

Max Hunder was reported by Max Hunder from London, writing for the article by Timothy Heritage and Gareth Jones editing.