Local residents continue to evacuate Mariupol, passing through Russian checkpoints located in the DPR. Footage filmed on Friday shows people leaving the city, and military personnel inspecting them and their vehicles at the checkpoints.
On the morning of February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military offensive against Ukraine.
On February 21, he had signed decrees recognising the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has imposed martial law throughout the country and announced a general mobilisation.
Russia’s military offensive has drawn international condemnation from the EU, UK, and US, among other countries, and led to heavy sanctions imposed on Moscow.
Credit: Ruptly
