KIEV: Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman Olexandr Motuzyanyk claimed that their forces are still fighting the Russian military for control of the Azov Sea's strategic port city of Mariupol, reports by the Ukrinform news agency.

"The Russian Army is continually recruiting additional  units  to storm the city," Motuzyanyk stated on Friday. "Right now, there are active fights near the Ilyich plant and in Mariupol's port zone." 

As per the Xinhua news report, it is stated that Russian forces had not fully taken control of the city despite nearly seven weeks of siege. The Ukrainian military has completed a tactical operation in Mariupol, combining the forces of two military units, and is currently attempting to reopen the city, according to Motuzyanyk.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych stated on Wednesday that the 36th Marine Brigade has broken fighting lines and joined the Azov Battalion in Mariupol, bolstering the city's defence. One of the greatest outbreaks of violence in the Russia-Ukraine conflict occurred in Mariupol, in eastern Ukraine.

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