Russia claims 1,000 Ukrainian marines surrendered in key port city of Mariupol

Russia’s defense ministry announced on Wednesday that more than 1,000 Ukrainian marines surrendered to Russian forces in the port city of Mariupol, adding that it was now one step closer to capturing its main strategic target in eastern Ukraine.

The fall of Mariupol and the occupation of the Azovstal industrial district would be a serious blow to Ukraine and would reinforce the Russian’s strategic land corridor as they prepare to launch a new offensive in the country’s east.

Furthermore, a defeat in Mariupol would represent the first major Ukrainian city to be taken by the Russians since President Vladimir Putin launched his “special military operation” on Feb. 24.   

According to Russia’s defense ministry, 162 officers were among the marines who surrendered to Russian and pro-Russian separatist forces.

"In the town of Mariupol, near the Ilyich Iron and Steel Works, as a result of successful offensives by Russian armed forces and Donetsk People's Republic militia units, 1,026 Ukrainian soldiers of the 36th Marine Brigade voluntarily laid down arms and surrendered," the ministry said in a statement.

Although Ukraine’s general staff acknowledged that Russian forces were attacking the port city, a defense ministry spokesman said he was not aware of any surrender.

On Monday, however, Ukraine’s 36th Marine Brigade said it was preparing for a “final battle” in Mariupol – one which they predicted would end in death or capture as troops had run out of ammunition and were cut off from supply lines.

Since Russian forces began besieging the city, tens of thousands of civilians are believed to have been killed. Now, it appears that thousands of Russian reinforcements have begun massing along the border as the Kremlin prepares to launch a new assault, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned.  

"We have destroyed more Russian weapons and military equipment than some armies in Europe currently possess. But this is not enough," he said in a social media video, reiterating calls for tanks, fighter jets, and missile systems.

Zelensky further accused Russia of blocking aid convoys to tens of thousands of civilians who remained trapped in the smoldering remains of Mariupol.