Russia said on Friday that its troops had “completely liberated” the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol – the final containment of Ukrainian resistance in the otherwise Russian-occupied southern city.
CNN cannot independently verify that all Ukrainian troops have left the steel plant.
Ukraine has not yet confirmed Russia’s claims, which, if true, would mean a symbolic military victory for Moscow.
Here’s what you need to know:
The siege of Mariupol: The strategically important port city was one of the first to be attacked by Russia since the invasion of Moscow on 24 February. By early March, it was surrounded by Russian forces, leaving residents facing acute food and water shortages – and constant bombardment that struck a maternity home and a civilian theater.
The plant: By mid-April, most of Ukraine’s last defenders were fighting to detain Russian forces from the Azovstal steel plant, which has also become a haven for about 1,000 civilians, including some seriously wounded who were blocked without medical help.
In late April, Russia said it had achieved the “liberation” of Mariupol – which Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky denied, saying troops were still resisting in the city.
Evacuation attempts: The evacuation of civilians from Azovstal began on 1 May. On May 16, the Ukrainian military said Ukrainian forces had carried out their “combat mission” at the steel plant, with hundreds of soldiers evacuated from the facility.
Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers evacuated from the plant have been taken into custody, and the seriously injured have received medical treatment, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
Ukraine has said it expects to exchange Russian prisoners of war for severely wounded soldiers.
Situation on the ground: If true, Russia’s claim on Friday would suggest that the entire city of Mariupol has fallen under Russian control after nearly three months of brutal fighting.
A spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry said “the last group of 531 fighters has surrendered” at the plant. Earlier, the Ukrainian commander of the Azov Regiment issued an order to the soldiers to preserve their “life and health … and stop defending the city.”
Published online videos show the rest of Azov’s fighters leaving the steel plant. CNN cannot independently verify the number of fighters remaining at the plant.
Russian profits: If confirmed, the fall of the Azovstal steel plant means that Russian forces are in complete control of Mariupol, paving the way for a land corridor between Russia and the annexed territory of Crimea.
The symbolic victory will also provide a key port in the Sea of Azov for Russia and free Russian troops to fight on the front lines of the war in the Donbass region.
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