Moscow/Kyiv - The self-defense forces in Mariupol claimed that a Ukrainian law enforcement contingent has made use of military hardware while storming the city police department.
“Armored vehicles have approached the city police department. The building is being shelled. It is an old building with thick walls which cannot be crushed by gunfire,” a spokesman for the self-defense command told Interfax-Ukraine.
He said, citing immediate reports, that several dozen police officers remain inside the building. They refused to fulfill Kyiv’s orders. Information about casualties is being verified, he said.
Local media reported, meanwhile, that the city police department and military garrison are being stormed. Military hardware is approaching the city from the airport. Streets are being closed for traffic and local residents have been denied access to this part of the city.
“The sound of shooting can be heard in the center of Mariupol,” says a posting on the 0629.ua Web site.
“Eyewitnesses also said that attempts are being made to seize the Mariupol police department and military garrison. Bursts are fired with automatic rifles in the center, according to the city medical services. Four people have been hospitalized with gunshot wounds,” the website said.
