Renewed “Azovstal” assault linked to russia’s desire to succeed before May 9 - UK Ministry of Defense

Russian forces continue their ground assault of the “Azovstal” plant for the second day in a row, the morning briefing of the UK Ministry of Defense says. 

“The renewed effort by Russia to secure Azovstal and complete the capture of Mariupol is likely linked to the upcoming 9 May Victory Day commemorations and Putin’s desire to have a symbolic success in Ukraine,” the UK intelligence believes. 

This effort personnel, equipment, and munitions cost to russia. 

“Whilst Ukrainian resistance continues in Azovstal, Russian losses will continue to build and frustrate their operational plans in southern Donbas,” British intelligence added. 

According to the Ukrainian General Staff briefing, in Mariupol, the enemy continues to block defense forces in the area of “Azovstal”. In some areas, they renewed assault with the support of aviation to take control of the plant’s territory. 

In “Azovstal”, our defenders, particularly the “Azov” regiment and 36th unit, hold the assault. The evacuation of the civilians from the plant’s bomb shelter continues. 

Ukrainian Ministry of Defense does not rule out the possibility of russia making up the successes if they do not reach them by May 9th. At the same time, Ukraine defenders think there may be an intensification of russian provocations. In Zaporizhzhia, an intensified curfew will be in place from May 8, and the mayor of Ivano-Frankivks urged residents to leave the city or stay at home on May 7-10.