Russia’s Ultimatum for Ukraine
Thousands gather to support Ukraine in the surrendering of Mariupol.
March 23, 2022
On Sunday, March 20th, Russia offered Ukraine the ultimatum: surrender Mariupol, or Ukrainian citizens will not be freed. Mariupol, the capital and most populous city of Ukraine, Kyiv, is a city in southeastern Ukraine with hundreds to thousands of civilians unable to leave, trapped in dreadful conditions in either their home or a safe house that they managed to get into.
Ukrainian civilians spend most of their time in shelters, hiding from the Russian forces that continue their unrelenting attack on the city from nearly all sides. As Russian troops tread on in the war between Russia and Ukraine, the Soviet Union promises to allow civilians to leave and humanitarian aid to enter under the condition of surrendering the city.
Ukrainian officials refused the compromise. Ukrainians inside Mariupol were required to surrender by 5 a.m., and those who succeeded would be allowed to leave the city. Russian forces teased Ukraine with the thought of starvation, saying that humanitarian convoys with food, medicine, and other supplies would enter the city after the ultimatum’s conclusion.
In retaliation to the refusal to surrender, Mariupol was struck. Retroville, a shopping mall in the residential district of Kyiv, was destroyed, carrying many fatalities targeting Ukrainian citizens. In the blast, several apartment buildings were also attacked. At least eight people died on impact.
“Lay down your arms,” said Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev, who is director of the Russian National Centre for Defense Management. A briefing was broadcasted by the defense ministry, which is a federal executive group that drafts and relays government policy and regulation.
The disclosure also summarized the ultimatum. “All who lay down their arms are guaranteed safe passage out of Mariupol.”
According to BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), ever since the war began, authorities say at least 2,500 people have been killed in Mariupol. The true amount may be even higher.