Putin orders blockade of Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol instead

This handout video grab taken from a footage released by Mariupol City Council on April 19, 2022 shows clouds of smoke billowing above the Azovstal steel plant and the destroyed gates of Azov Shipyard. HANDOUT AFP MOSCOW Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a blockade of the Azovstal plant in the port city of Mariupol instead of storming it, local media reported.

The order was given after Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told Putin that the Russian military had controlled Mariupol apart from the plant where Ukrainian servicemen were still holed up, according to the report.

The Kremlin said that Putin said plans to storm the plant were inappropriate during a meeting with Shoigu and that he prefers to use a blockade instead.

Putin said that the industrial area should still be blocked off so that a single fly doesn't pass through, as we must always think about preserving the lives and health of our soldiers and officers. ALSO READ: Russia begins 2nd phase of military operation in Ukraine

More than 2,000 militants are currently blocked inside the plant, according to Shoigu, who said the operation would be completed within three or four days.

Putin said that everyone who has not yet laid down their arms would be offered again, and that those soldiers who do so would be spared and receive necessary medical attention.