Russian forces have resumed massive strikes on the Azovstal metallurgical plant in Mariupol shortly after a group of civilians sheltering there was evacuated earlier on Sunday.

This was announced on national television by Commander of the 12th National Guard Brigade, Denys Schleha, writes Ukrinform.

“When the invaders failed to implement their priority plans, they began destroying the area with heavier weapons. Over the last two days, while the operation to remove the local population from the plant was being carried out, a ceasefire was announced, and two days went peacefully. But as soon as the last civilian (from the group approved for evacuation on Sunday - ed.) left the plant, (soon after that - ed.), the plant came under fire, again, as all kinds of weapons were employed”, - said Schleha.

Separately, he clarified that, according to their estimates, there are still several hundred civilians remaining in the Azovstal bunkers, including up to 20 children.