Russian troops prepare for Ukrainian counterattack in Mariupol, plan to use civilians as human shields - Mariupol mayor

The Mariupol City Council reported about it in its Telegram channel.

"Without undue disclosure, the occupiers began to build alleged residential buildings. The work is underway in the north-western part, almost on the border of the city, from the approximate direction of the Armed Forces counteroffensive," said mayor Vadym Boychenko.

According to information from Mariupol residents, Russian forces are digging trenches and installing equipment right behind the buildings.

"And people are not allowed out of the city so that Russian forces could cover themselves with civilians," the mayor stressed.