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Russian forces to close entry and exit to Mariupol and introduce pass system, mayor's advisor says

18 April 2022 00:34 (UTC +04:00)

An adviser to Mariupol's mayor said Russian forces have announced the besieged city would be closed for entry and exit on Monday, warning men remaining in the city would be "filtered out.", APA reports citing CNN.

Petro Andriushchenko, the mayor's adviser, said on Telegram on Sunday Russian forces had begun issuing passes for movement within the besieged city, posting a photo purportedly showing residents lining up for the passes.

"Hundreds of citizens have to stand in a line to get a pass, without which it will be impossible not only to move between the districts of the city, but also to go out on the streets starting next week," he said.

In a separate statement Saturday, Andriushchenko said Russian forces announced the city would be "closed for entry/exit for everyone from Monday, but there will also be a ban on moving around the districts for a week." Andriushchenko added, according to information received from inside the city, men in the city will be subject to "filtration" -- relocated for screening by Russian forces.