Russia begins conscripting Mariupol residents

Russia has begun mobilizing Mariupol residents to fight against the Ukrainian military, Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko reported on Thursday. “Yesterday, we received confirmation that Mariupolites have started receiving mobilization orders to fight in the war on the side of Russia. People are frightened and want to leave for Ukrainian [-controlled] territory,” Boychenko reportedly said at a press briefing.

Boychenko also noted that Russian “filtration camps” are still being run in Mariupol, and that residents are not allowed to leave the city.

During wartime, it’s not always possible for journalists to quickly verify information shared by government officials.