Russia transforms Mariupol into military logistics hub – expert

Petro Andryushchenko, head of the Center for the Study of Occupation, stated this on Espreso TV.

“Russian forces have finally turned Mariupol into a military base. Earlier, it functioned more as a transport hub, troops passed through, stopped if needed, but didn’t stay. There were no major deployments or training within the city itself; that happened outside Mariupol. Now, they've moved a large number of units from Russia’s Rostov region directly into the city. Mariupol has effectively become a major military-logistics hub, centered around the Ilyich plant. It’s easy to conceal equipment there and there’s plenty of space,” Andryushchenko said.

He also noted that Russian forces are actively working to turn Melitopol into a key military base in southern Ukraine.

“Mariupol now has a fully functioning railway. The port is also being prepared for military use. So it's clear: the occupiers have turned the city into a military-logistics base. They’re trying to do the same with Melitopol. The city is smaller, but still holds serious strategic value,” he added.

• Significant Russian troop and equipment movements were spotted passing through occupied Mariupol on June 26, heading in multiple directions.