Why Mariupol is a vital goal for Russia

The invasion of Ukraine can hardly be considered accidental, and Russia's rhetoric about "denazification" and "demilitarization", as well as the country's non-aligned status, is real. Putin is interested not only in historical goals. These are conquests that will describe him as an outstanding military leader who returned Russia to its original lands.

The goal is the Black Sea coast and the industrial cluster of the Dnieper

But today it is important for Russia to capture the Black Sea coast, ports that will provide at least a land corridor to the Crimea. This is the goal of the recognition, and then the accession of the L / DPR to Russia. If we consider this point of view, Russia is not going to be limited to the strategic shores of the Black Sea.

An annual output is also required, and then, of course, the use in the future of the Dnieper industrial cluster with a cascade of hydropower plants is considered. The seizure of these lands also involves the replenishment of agricultural assets with valuable chernozem, which attracts not only Russia to Ukraine. As you can see, Russia is trying to strengthen the world grain market.

Why is Putin massively destroying Mariupol?

According to the mayor in mid-March, Mariupol was destroyed by 80-90%. Russian troops are ready for its complete destruction, if only to take control of it. BBC correspondent Frank Gardner explains that the city is important for the following reason:

• through this area it is possible to lay a land corridor to the Crimea;
• the port of Mariupol is key for the export of grain and steel;
• the destruction of much of the Azov Regiment, which defends the city, which Russian propaganda links to the Nazis, but is in fact a well-trained special forces.

Terrible things are happening in Mariupol. The occupiers are bombing maternity hospitals, about 1,000 people have been blocked in the Drama Theater, their fate is unknown. The bodies of the dead are buried right in the yards. The capture of Mariupol will significantly raise the fighting spirit in the Russian troops, which are losing defeat after defeat.

The Azov Regiment, despite the overwhelming forces of Russia, holds the city. If not completely, then partially the unit strongly repulses Russian attacks in parts of the city, although some quarters of Mariupol really occupy the Russian occupiers.