(CNN)
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmihal called the situation in Mariupol “the biggest humanitarian catastrophe” since Russia’s invasion – and perhaps the worst catastrophe of the century, as the southeastern port city faces constant bombardment by Russian forces.
Speaking at a news conference in Washington on Friday, Schmihal said thousands of people had died in Mariupol, adding: “We will see the horrific atrocities when he is released by the Russians.”
He said Russian troops were “absolutely destroying everything”, including shelters where civilians are staying.
According to Ukrainian authorities, about 100,000 people have remained trapped in Mariupol since it was surrounded by Russian forces on March 1st. Ukrainian authorities say more than 20,000 people in the city died during the attack.
CNN cannot identify these figures on its own, as the exact number of dead after weeks of heavy bombing is not available.
The latest resistance: On Friday, Shmihal said civilians, including women and children, were hiding in the Azovstal steel plant, the last bastion of Ukrainian defenders in the city. He said the Russian army was still surrounding the area, and Ukraine was in talks with partners to negotiate an evacuation corridor.
He also called on ambassadors from all countries, including the United States, to return to their embassies in Kyiv.
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