Russian forces redeploy reserves through Mariupol in Berdyansk direction – official

He said this on the air of the Espreso TV channel.

"Over the past three days, the movement of Russian equipment through Mariupol has increased. They are moving this equipment to the Zaporizhzhia direction. At the same time, we cannot say that the traffic of this equipment has increased. After all, we are witnessing the transfer of reserves from another part of the frontline. That is, this equipment is not coming from the territory of Russia. That is, they have withdrawn some of their troops from a certain area of the front in order to strengthen another direction. They are moving in the direction of Berdyansk, which means that later we will see them in Polohy or near Tokmak," said Andriushchenko.

The mayor's advisor added that such movements of Russian troops occur frequently.

"About 1.5 months ago, the same situation happened. Then we learned that it was the occupiers' marine units. A week later, there was a return movement of their troops. They were taking the wounded and killed to hospitals and morgues. So we hope that this time they will face the same fate," he added.

• On Thursday, September 7, loud explosions were heard in the temporarily occupied Mariupol. They were followed by a fire, and the Russian forces deployed aircraft.

• On Wednesday, August 30, explosions were heard in the temporarily occupied Mariupol. Air defense systems were reportedly operating in the city. It is also known that Russian invading forces deployed aircraft.