Russian army hides arms in Mariupol homes, heightening tensions

Petro Andriuszczenko stated that Russian soldiers had set up a weapons cache hidden deep within a residential estate in Mariupol. This is another instance of the Russian army using the "human shield" tactic.

The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for over two and a half years. Since then, we have observed initiatives being taken by both sides. Currently, many actions are limited to small segments on the front line.

At the same time, strenuous preparations for a potential offensive or effective defence are taking place at the rear. According to Ukrainian media, the southern areas of Ukraine, which the Russians occupied during the initial days of the conflict, are critical to the Russians in this regard.

This comes as no surprise, as the so-called land corridor to Crimea was one of the greatest successes for the Russians in this conflict. The longest and bloodiest battles occurred there, symbolized by the devastatingly destroyed Mariupol. Now, nearly two years later, Russia is trying to rebuild the city while still recognizing its strategic importance.

As a result, the Russian army is creating ammunition depots and critical war infrastructure among the rebuilt blocks. The surrounding houses and their residents form a sort of "human shield."

The Russians have set up another weapons warehouse inside a residential building on Torhova Street. Another war crime and another proof of the standard "human shield" tactic. This makes an air raid impossible but does not exempt from the duty of setting fire – noted Petro Andriuszczenko, former advisor to the mayor of Mariupol.