Pro-Ukrainian sentiment is on rise in Mariupol – mayor’s advisor

On Espreso TV, Andriushchenko said that the locals can no longer tolerate the arbitrariness of the occupation regime, so Mariupol residents are waiting for the Ukrainian army and are resisting.

“In recent days, especially on the eve of May 9, there has been a pro-Ukrainian ‘explosion’ in Mariupol. This flag on Iskra, the day before there was a competition to tear the Soviet flag off that plastic dragonfly on the main square where they were supposed to celebrate May 9. Before that, people were walking around the city with the Ukrainian flag, and something was always happening. Today, posters appeared in the city saying that 'August is coming' and the Ukrainian Armed Forces are approaching. Mariupol residents have lost their patience and the city is resisting. Everything the occupiers are doing cannot be tolerated and people are simply no longer afraid. We will see more, the regime is already strict, it cannot be made stricter, and people are starting to fight,” the advisor said. 

• In the temporarily occupied Mariupol, the invading Russian forces began mobilizing local residents.