Russian troops in Mariupol have been continuing their ground assault on the Azovstal steel plant for the second day, despite Russian claims that they are blockading it, British Ministry of Defense intelligence confirms.

Russia's renewed efforts to take Azovstal and complete the capture of Mariupol are likely linked to the upcoming May 9 Victory Day celebrations and Putin's desire to achieve at least some token success in Ukraine..

These efforts cost Russia significant losses of personnel, equipment and ammunition..

“As long as Ukrainian resistance continues in Azovstal, Russian losses will only increase and frustrate their plans in the south of Donbass,” the intelligence officers add..

Latest Defense Intelligence update on situation in Ukraine - 06 May 2022Let's go from over to the UK government's response: https://t. co/6jHlpk2hy5? #StandWithUkraine? pic. twitter. com/7ViaoqSnAV.

— Ministry of Defense? (@DefenceHQ) May 6, 2022.

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Recall, on May 3, Russian invaders began storming the Azovstal metallurgical plant in Mariupol. There are still civilians and Ukrainian defenders on its territory.. On May 4, the Russians broke into the territory of the plant.

Mayor of Mariupol Vadim Boychenko said that more than 100 thousand people remain in the occupied city. According to preliminary data, there were about a thousand Mariupol civilians, including about 60 children, in the bomb shelters of the Azovstal plant.. Also there are several hundred wounded Ukrainian soldiers..