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First deaths reported in Lviv, Ukraine hanging onto Mariupol by thread

Apr 18, 2022

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On the same day officials in Ukraine reported Russia still hadn’t taken over Mariupol, they also reported the first deaths in the western city of Lviv. Those deaths, coming after a series of four missile attacks targeted military infrastructure facilities and an auto mechanic shop Monday,  left at least seven dead and 11 wounded. Two of those wounded are in critical condition, and one of them is a child.

“What we see today in Ukraine is genocide, which is purposefully committed by an aggressor who kills civilians,” Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi said. “Seven civilians had life plans, but today their lives are over.”

The attack on Lviv is notable because Lviv and the rest of western Ukraine have seen only sporadic strikes during the war. Because of this, Lviv has served as somewhat of a humanitarian hub for people from parts of the country where fighting has been more intense.

“Today there are no safe and dangerous cities in Ukraine,” Sadovyi said Monday. “Today everyone is on equal terms.”

Mariupol has been subjected to the gravest danger and attacks since Russia’s invasion began. Despite more than 1,000 Ukrainian troops in the city surrendering last week, Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesperson Oleksandr Motuzyanyk said Monday that Mariupol had not been taken under full control by Russian forces.

“Mariupol has undergone extremely heavy destruction as a result of the rocket, bomb and artillery fire that Russia is conducting practically round-the-clock,” Motuzyanyk said. “But the Russian army has still failed to seize Mariupol completely – all thanks to the courage of those units, both the Ukrainian armed forces and other military formations, that are there.”

Despite the optimism from Motuzyanyk, some experts, including former British Army chief Richard Dannatt, say it’s a matter of when, not if, Russia takes over the city.

“I’m afraid that remaining garrison in Mariupol, they don’t really have very many options. It, according to all reports that one’s hearing, they’re running very short of ammunition. And I think the Ukrainian forces generally are not able to resupply them,” Dannatt said. “So I think it’s only a matter of time before Mariupol completely falls under Russian control.”

Shannon Longworth: Russia is adjusting its invasion strategy in Ukraine, but the bloodshed continues.
Officials confirm the first deaths in the major western city of Lviv today.
Lviv’s governor said Russian missile strikes hit three military facilities and an auto mechanic shop — leaving at least seven dead.
I was in Lviv just last month. It’s served as a humanitarian hub for refugees leaving the country, as well as for people coming in to help fight Russia.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is still hanging onto the city of Mariupol–barely.
A Defense official called the situation quote “extremely difficult” — but says Russia has not yet taken full control.
Still — experts say time is running out.
Richard Dannatt | Former British Army Chief: “I’m afraid that remaining garrison in Mariupol, they don’t really have very many options. It, according to all reports that one’s hearing, they’re running very short of ammunition. And I think the Ukrainian forces generally are not able to resupply them. So I think it’s only a matter of time before Mariupol completely falls under Russian control.”