Arsen Avakov on the liberation of Mariupol: It was important for us to defeat and break the hybrid onslaught of the enemy, and we coped
Today, on the seventh anniversary of the liberation of Mariupol from pro-Russian separatists, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov recalled the course of events on June 13, 2014.
On that day, Arsen Avakov informed about the active phase of ATO in Mariupol:
“A planned operation to eliminate the encirclement of DPR terrorists led by a criminal authority nicknamed Chechen continues. The area of the operation in the center of Mariupol is surrounded. The operation involves units of the National Guard of Ukraine, special units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs “Azov” and “Dnipro-1". Block-posts around Mariupol provide armed forces. The operation began at 4.50 in the morning. Goes according to plan. Successfully. All key strongholds of the terrorists are now under control. Destroyed by the BRDM, destroyed sniper points of terrorists. Losses from terrorists are high. There are no casualties on our side - two fighters are wounded. The operation continues.”
Subsequently, the minister announced the detention of 11 terrorists and the defusing of two landmines. Our forces detained a fully loaded vehicle of militants moving towards Donetsk. The situation in Mariupol remained stable.
At 10.34 a Ukrainian flag was hung over the Mariupol City Council. The liberation of the city from pro-Russian separatists has ended.
“Today our military units will conduct a festive march in Mariupol, people will rejoice. Then, 7 years ago it was wrong - it was important to concentrate and win, to break the hybrid onslaught of the enemy, and we coped. The special operation to liberate Mariupol was planned and carried out within one day. The battle lasted several hours. During the assault, key strongholds of the militants were eliminated, equipment destroyed, control over all captured structures was restored, in particular, the “fortification” on Gretskaya Street, where pro-Russian militants had established their headquarters, was destroyed. None of the civilians of Mariupol were seriously injured during the operation,” Arsen Avakov stressed.
The Minister of Internal Affairs thanked the Ukrainian military who defended Mariupol:
“I am proud of our actions then, I am proud and thank everyone who applied their strength then! Thank you to the fighters of the National Guard, the Uraini Armed Forces, separately to the fighters of “Azov”, “Dnipr-1”, everyone who defended and defended our Ukrainian Mariupol every day for seven years! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!”
