Kiev: Russia wants to seize Mariupol steel factory before May 9
Russia plans to seize the besieged Azovstal steel plant in the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol by Monday, May 9, Ukrainian presidential adviser Oleksij Arestovich reported. On May 9, Russia will celebrate the 77th anniversary of the defeat of the Nazis.
“The most beautiful gift to a ruler is the head of his opponent,” Arestovich told Ukraine’s UNIAN news agency. “I clearly see the ambition to conquer Azovstal and give Putin the victory on May 9.” And: “They really want this, but let’s see if they succeed.”
A major military parade is planned for Monday 9 May in Moscow to commemorate the end of World War II.