Anxiety about Mariupol: Azovstal will fall “before lunch”

The anxiety for Mariupol and the installation of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in this port of strategic importance in the Sea of ​​Azov, is at its peak. Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation, said he would be occupied later in the day. The same timeRussia’s invasion of Donbas has not yet begun, says Kyiv.

“Before lunch, or shortly after, Azovstal will be under the full control of the forces of the Russian Federation”assured Mr. Kadyrov, who is considered a protégé of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with an audio message which he uploaded to social networking sites earlier today.

Chechen forces have been involved in what the Kremlin has called a “special military operation” in Ukraine since February 24. Ramzan Kadyrov himself, who is accused by non-governmental organizations of heaps of human rights violations and has a strong paramilitary force under his command, says he is in Ukraine, participating with his “kadirovtsi” in the attack of the Russian armed forces.

What is Russia seeking in view of May 9?

At least one symbolic victory over Ukraine until May 9, the anniversary of Russia’s victory over the Nazis, is sought by the new commander-in-chief of Russian forces, Alexander Dvornikov, known as “the slaughterer of Syria.”reports the business website Business Insider, citing a confidential NATO document.

According to the report, the Western intelligence services warn that Dvornikov will not hesitate to use more and more disproportionate force in order to bring about even a symbolic victory on Ukrainian soil until this year marks the 9th anniversary of the Red Army victory over the Nazis. .

It is added that the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has set the anniversary as a milestone for war in Ukrainewith the result that the army is under great political pressure.

The NATO secret document, dated April 14th, warns of using even more force to achieve operational goals, according to the Athens News Agency.

Zelensky: The allies are “beginning to understand” the need for armaments

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky expressed satisfaction in his speech last night that his country’s allies and partners are “beginning” to understand its need for weapons, following repeated protests by Kiev over delays in surrender.

“I can say with great satisfaction, and with restrained optimism, that our partners have begun to better understand our needs. Understand exactly what we need. And when we need it. “

“Not in weeks, not in a month. Immediately. “Right now, because Russia is starting to intensify its attacks.”

Earlier in the day, after meeting with European Council President Charles Michel in Kyiv, the Ukrainian head of state said the timetable for the arrival of weapons “became clearer” and added that the West was showing “warmer attitude” towards Kiev. while demanding that the European Union avoid delays in deliveries and impose sanctions on Russian oil and gas.

“Germany is not yet ready to take this step,” Zelensky said, criticizing Berlin once again.

The G7 promises more than $ 24 billion in Kyiv

The G7 finance ministers have announced in cooperation with the international community that they will provide assistance to Ukraine, which will exceed $ 24 billion this year and in the coming years, adding that they are willing to do more if needed.

In a statement, the ministers also expressed dissatisfaction with Russia’s participation in international fora, including the G20, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank this week.

“International organizations and multilateral fora can not continue to cooperate with Russia following in its footsteps,” they said. At the same time, they said they would continue the pressure on Moscow.