China News Agency, Beijing, April 24. Comprehensive news: The Russian Ministry of Defense said on the 22nd that the city of Mariupol has returned to normal order, residents can move freely on the streets, and the remnants of Ukrainian military forces and foreign mercenaries have been arrested. Blocked in the Azov Steel Works area. On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the 23rd that if the Ukrainians trapped in the city are eliminated, or if Russia instigates a referendum in the “occupied zone”, Ukraine will withdraw from the peace talks.
Russia says Mariupol has restored order
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Konashenkov reported at a press conference on the evening of the 22nd that the city of Mariupol has returned to normal order, and residents can move freely on the streets without avoiding Ukrainian shelling. The city is distributing food, water, basic necessities, etc. to the people, and the remnants of the Ukrainian military force “Azov Battalion” and foreign mercenaries have been blocked in the Azov steel plant area.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Veresyuk said on social media on the 23rd that women, children and the elderly will begin to evacuate from Mariupol at noon that day. According to the plan, the evacuation work will officially start around 12:00. People have already gathered in a shopping mall near Mariupol port waiting to be evacuated.
The Ukrainian State News Agency reported on the 23rd that Zelensky said at a press conference that day that if the Ukrainians trapped in Mariupol are eliminated, or if Russia instigates a referendum in the “occupied zone”, Ukraine will refuse to go further with Russia. negotiation. He also said that at present, it is impossible for the Ukrainian side to lift the blockade of Mariupol through military means.
In addition, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Konashenkov reported on the evening of the 23rd that the Russian Aerospace Forces used high-precision air-based missiles that day to destroy the weapons terminal at a military airport in the Odessa region of southern Ukraine, where U.S. and A large number of weapons provided by European countries to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Ministry of State Emergencies also confirmed on the 23rd that the Russian army fired missiles from the Caspian Sea towards Odessa that day, killing at least 6 people and injuring 18.
Ukraine asks IAEA for assistance
According to a report by the Russian Satellite News Agency on the 24th, Ukraine has transmitted to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) a list of equipment necessary to ensure the reliable and safe operation of the country’s nuclear facilities. This list includes radiation measurement equipment, power supply systems, diesel generators, computer-related auxiliary equipment and protective materials.
The IAEA said in a statement that 15 of Ukraine’s four nuclear power plants are currently operating, seven of which are connected to the grid, and the other eight have been shut down for routine maintenance or in backup.
According to reports, several member states of the International Atomic Energy Agency have expressed their readiness to provide assistance to Ukraine.
Earlier, the International Atomic Energy Agency issued a statement saying that the agency’s Director General Grossi will visit the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine on the 26th to assess the radiation level and operating conditions of the nuclear power plant, and discuss relevant assistance with Ukrainian officials. To prevent the risk of a nuclear accident during the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
UK to provide more military aid to Ukraine
The British Prime Minister’s Office announced on the 23rd that British Prime Minister Johnson said in a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that afternoon that the United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with more defensive military assistance and confirmed that the British embassy in Ukraine will be reopened next week. to express support and solidarity with Ukraine.
Zelensky thanked Britain for training Ukrainian military personnel.
According to a report by the Ukrainian State News Agency on the 24th, Zelensky said on the 23rd that Ukraine will start to recover the occupied territories once it receives enough weapons.
Zelensky pointed out that the speed of the supply of weapons needed by Ukraine is accelerating. “If the speed is increased as promised, and if the steps are consistent with the commitment, I believe we will retake our territory faster.”
Reuters reported on the 24th that Zelensky said that US Secretary of State Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Austin will visit Kyiv on the 24th to discuss the issue of arms supplies. But the news has not been confirmed by the United States.
Article source: China News Service
Responsible editor: Yao Sihan