As Russia declares temporary ceasefire in Ukraine; Kyiv terms it 'repositioning' strategy

Russia continues its relentless attack in Mariupol as its desire to completely takeover Donbas region in Ukraine has been thwarted by Ukrainian forces. However, as re are still a number of civilians stranded in Mariupol, Russia anunced a ceasefire for civilian evacuation.

But Petro Andriushchenko, visor to Mariupol mayor stated that Russian military uses  ceasefire with Ukraine for duration of civilian evacuation to take up a new position for artillery observing and sniper fire to strike Azovstal plant in Mariupol, as per Kyiv Independent.  heavily defended Azovstal steel plant is  remaining area of Mariupol that is under Ukrainian control.

Earlier on May 6, local authorities in Mariupol blamed Russian forces for opening fire on a car carrying citizens fleeing Azovstal steel plant, that killed a fighter, breaking a ceasefire deal. declaration by Mariupol city council received response from Russia. Moscow has denied targeting civilians and proposed a truce to allow civilians trapped in Azovstal steel plant to be evacuated with help of Ukrainian fighters.

All women, children and elderly in Azovstal evacuated

Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk stated on May 7, all women, children, and elderly who h taken refuge at Azovstal h been evacuated. Around 1,000 civilians were hiding at Azovstal prior to evacuation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy anunced on May 8 that Ukraine was planning a fresh round of evacuations from Azovstal to save wounded soldiers, doctors and remaining military staff. Approximately 500 injured Ukrainian soldiers are stranded at steel plant with little medical help.

In meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Zelenskyy and his people embody spirit of those who triumphed during WWII. He blamed Russian President Vlimir Putin for twisting history to excuse his unjustified and ruthless attack on Ukraine, according to AP.

Diplomatic attempt to help fighters trapped inside steel plant

President Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was working on a diplomatic attempt to help fighters trapped inside steel plant. Officials in Ukraine believe that Russian forces are preparing to attack stranded soldiers by Monday, just in time for Moscow's commemorations of Soviet Union's WWII victory over Nazi Germany, according to media reports.

Im: AP