VLADIMIR Putin is plotting to starve hundreds of civilians by trapping them in the catacombs of the Mariupol steelwork plant.
The Asovstal plant’s sprawling underground network of tunnels and bunkers has become the focal point of resistance by brave Ukrainian marines and soldiers determined to defend the area.
It is estimated that around 1,000 resistance fighters – and possibly more than 1,000 civilians – are trapped there.
The Russian leader ordered his military to cancel plans to storm the Mariupol steel plant.
Instead, he wants it to be securely blockaded so that even “a fly” cannot pass unnoticed.
He said: “There’s no need to climb into these catacombs and crawl underground through these industrial facilities.
“Block off this industrial area so that not even a fly can get through.”
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