The Ukrainian army’s bold reinforcement sprints into Mariupol under heavy Russian fire, as seen in new film.
Intelligence Directorate and Azov Regiment fighters fly low and fast above wreckage into the Azovstal steelworks, according to footage published by Kyiv’s Ministry of Defense.
Despite a previous Russian siege, the helicopters begin their journey from secure launch spots more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) outside Mariupol.
Before landing, the chopper is seen approaching Azovstal, with troops racing to exit and provide critical supplies to the site’s beleaguered inhabitants.
According to Dnepr Express, footage then shows armoured helicopters departing the location.
Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and citizens battled valiantly to keep Russian invaders out of the critical strategic supply point.
Following civilian evacuations, Putin’s soldiers gained control of Azovstal two weeks ago, despite their gallant attempts.
2,500 Ukrainian forces are said to have remained behind, with Kyiv saying that its men are now being tortured with pliers and electric shocks.
The Ukrainian army stated that seven flights including 16 Mi-8 combat helicopters successfully entered Azovstal in the closing days of the Russian siege.
Transported were food, water, medication, medics, ammo, and even troops.
Five physicians, including a surgeon and anesthesiologist, flew in on one of the trips.
Another unit received 72 reinforcements from the Azov Regiment.
However, not all of the operations were successful, according to Pravda Ukraine, with Ukrainian military helicopters being shot down on the fifth and seventh missions.
The number of casualties has not been released by the Ukrainian army, but based on the amount of critical supplies brought in, the operations may have saved hundreds of lives.
According to Babel Ukraine, President Zelensky said that 90% of pilots who flew the exceedingly perilous sorties into Mariupol were killed or left behind.
‘A big number of our pilots died,’ he stated.
‘Absolutely brave individuals who realized how difficult it was to fly to Azovstal and [gave] them medication, food, and water, as well as picking up the wounded’s remains.
‘Imagine what these guys were capable of. They were unquestionably valiant.’
On May 20, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that all people in Azovstal had been evacuated.
Despite Kyiv’s denials, Moscow claims to have seized 2,439 Ukrainian servicemen remaining at the factory.
The Ukrainian troops who are still in Azovstal are being tortured, according to reports.
In an 80-minute phone call with Putin over the weekend, the presidents of France and Germany urged the Kremlin to release its prisoners of war.
Other troops are said to have been given unknown medications and made to make confessions while singing the Russian national anthem and pleading for forgiveness.
Mr Zelensky said he anticipates ‘positive news’ from the West this week about the provision of long-range missile systems.