Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, claims Russia is concealing the deaths of “thousands” in Mariupol

*Paromita Das

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia on Wednesday (April 6) of concealing evidence relating to “thousands” of people killed in Mariupol in an attempt to obstruct humanitarian access to the besieged port city.

According to AFP, citing Turkish media outlet Haberturk TV, Zelensky stated, “The reason we can’t get into Mariupol with the humanitarian cargo is precisely because they are afraid… that the world will see what’s going on there.”
“I think it’s a tragedy there, it’s hell, and I know that thousands of people, different people, have been killed there and thousands have been injured,” Zelensky added.

According to reports, residents in Mariupol waited in long lines on Tuesday (April 5) to receive humanitarian aid.

However, Zelensky stated that Russia is not revealing evidence of thousands of people killed; however, he expressed confidence that Russia would not be able to conceal all evidence.

During an interview with Turkish television, Zelensky stated, “They will not be able to conceal everything and bury all of the Ukrainians who died or were injured. It’s just such a large number, thousands of people, that it’s impossible to conceal.”
Mariupol, a southern Ukrainian port city that has emerged as strategically important, has been the site of fierce fighting between Russia and Ukraine.

When asked about the continuation of peace talks with Russia, Zelensky stated “They will have to take place regardless. Without it, I believe it will be difficult to end this war.”

He added that he was having difficulty bringing himself to continue talks with Moscow “because we know who we are dealing with.”