Changes

Late in the afternoon of March 6, on Pobedy Avenue, the Donetsk People's Militia clashed with Ukrainian armed nationalist units.  More than 150 evacuating civilians were used as human shields by Ukrainian neo-Nazis who were hiding behind them.<ref>https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/ukrainian-nationalists-in-mariupol-used-civilians-as-human-shield-opened-fire-on-dpr-fighters-russian-defense-ministry/</ref>  The Ukrainian nationalists opened fire on DPR servicemen from behind the backs of civilians. As a result of the firing by Ukrainian Nazis,<ref>https://southfront.org/second-attempt-of-evacuation-from-mariupol-dpr-secured-humanitarian-corridors-destroyed-ukrainian-forces-in-suburbs-18/</ref> several civilians were wounded and killed.  The People's Militia of DPR guided the remaining group of civilians through the Vinogradnoye district from Mariupol to DPR controlled territory where they received food and medical services.  Similar scenarios were repeated for weeks.

Late in the afternoon of March 6, on Pobedy Avenue, the Donetsk People's Militia clashed with Ukrainian armed nationalist units.  More than 150 evacuating civilians were used as human shields by Ukrainian neo-Nazis who were hiding behind them.<ref>https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/ukrainian-nationalists-in-mariupol-used-civilians-as-human-shield-opened-fire-on-dpr-fighters-russian-defense-ministry/</ref>  The Ukrainian nationalists opened fire on DPR servicemen from behind the backs of civilians. As a result of the firing by Ukrainian Nazis,<ref>https://southfront.org/second-attempt-of-evacuation-from-mariupol-dpr-secured-humanitarian-corridors-destroyed-ukrainian-forces-in-suburbs-18/</ref> several civilians were wounded and killed.  The People's Militia of DPR guided the remaining group of civilians through the Vinogradnoye district from Mariupol to DPR controlled territory where they received food and medical services.  Similar scenarios were repeated for weeks.

Russia informed the [[UN Security Council]] that the Mariupol maternity hospital had been used by the Azov Battalion on March 7 or March 6, 2022.<ref>https://technofog.substack.com/p/ukraine-maternity-hospital-shelling?s=r</ref>  On March 12, 2022 Russian T-72 tanks entered the city.  On March 13, Russians began evacuation of civilian women, children, and elderly from Crimea to escape shelling from Ukrainian forces in Mariupol.<ref>https://youtu.be/SPP1isOXOJo</ref>  By March 15 the Russians deployed Chechen fighters on the streets of Mariupol.<ref>https://youtu.be/uFBZ1IGVwsQ</ref>  The legendary Somali Battalion also took part in the fighting.

Russia informed the [[UN Security Council]] that the Mariupol maternity hospital had been used by the Azov Battalion on March 7 or March 6, 2022.<ref>https://technofog.substack.com/p/ukraine-maternity-hospital-shelling?s=r</ref>  On March 12, 2022, Russian T-72 tanks entered the city.  On March 13, Russians began evacuation of civilian women, children, and elderly from Crimea to escape shelling from Ukrainian forces in Mariupol.<ref>https://youtu.be/SPP1isOXOJo</ref>  By March 15 the Russians deployed Chechen fighters on the streets of Mariupol.<ref>https://youtu.be/uFBZ1IGVwsQ</ref>  The legendary Somali Battalion also took part in the fighting.

[[File:Kadyrov the Chechen.PNG|right|300px|thumb|Kadyrov the Chechen, Head of the Chechen Republic, defeated [[Wahhabism|radical Islamic terrorists]] in Chechnya and [[Banderite]] Nazis in Mariupol.]]

[[File:Kadyrov the Chechen.PNG|right|300px|thumb|Kadyrov the Chechen, Head of the Chechen Republic, defeated [[Wahhabism|radical Islamic terrorists]] in Chechnya and [[Banderite]] Nazis in Mariupol.]]

The denazification of Mariupol was delayed more than a week when a Tochka-U missile attack by the Kyiv regime hit the city center of Donetsk, killing 23 civilians, and DPR forces were withdrawn to deal with the site where the missile had been launched from.

The denazification of Mariupol was delayed more than a week when a Tochka-U missile attack by the Kyiv regime hit the city center of Donetsk, killing 23 civilians, and DPR forces were withdrawn to deal with the site where the missile had been launched from.

Like the [[Battle of Stalingrad]], Ukrainian forces trapped in Mariupol pleaded for relief to the Kyiv central command. And like Stalingrad, the government told them reinforcement of troops and supplies was not possible and forbad them to surrender.<ref>https://youtu.be/oOrSQVb8tzY?t=456</ref>

Like the [[Battle of Stalingrad]], Ukrainian forces trapped in Mariupol pleaded for relief to the Kyiv central command. And like Stalingrad, the government told them reinforcement of troops and supplies was not possible and forbad them to surrender.<ref>https://youtu.be/oOrSQVb8tzY?t=456</ref>

On March 20, 2022 when Russian forces gave Ukrainian forces a deadline till 5:00 AM (Moscow time) (2 AM GMT) on Monday, March 21 to lay down their arms in the city.  Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev of the Russian Defense Management Center guaranteed that all those who lay down their arms will be provided a safe passage out of the city. He also stated that all humanitarian corridors for civilians from Mariupol to the east and, in agreement with the Ukrainian side, to the west.  Mizintsev also claimed that certain Ukrainian “bandits”, “neo-Nazis” and nationalists are engaging in carrying out “mass terror” and are going on a killing spree in the city.<ref>https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/russia-ukraine-crisis/russia-urges-ukrainian-forces-to-surrender-warns-of-terrible-catastrophe-unfolding-articleshow.html</ref>  The Ukrainian resistors laid naval mines throughout the city.<ref>https://youtu.be/9sZuz4dlVAo?t=835</ref>

On March 20, 2022, when Russian forces gave Ukrainian forces a deadline of 5:00 AM (Moscow time) (2 AM GMT) on Monday, March 21 to lay down their arms in the city.  Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev of the Russian Defense Management Center guaranteed that all those who lay down their arms will be provided a safe passage out of the city. He also stated that all humanitarian corridors for civilians from Mariupol to the east and, in agreement with the Ukrainian side, to the west.  Mizintsev also claimed that certain Ukrainian “bandits”, “neo-Nazis” and nationalists are engaging in carrying out “mass terror” and are going on a killing spree in the city.<ref>https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/russia-ukraine-crisis/russia-urges-ukrainian-forces-to-surrender-warns-of-terrible-catastrophe-unfolding-articleshow.html</ref>  The Ukrainian resistors laid naval mines throughout the city.<ref>https://youtu.be/9sZuz4dlVAo?t=835</ref>

[[File:SBU Pravy Sektor.PNG|left|300px|thumb|Fascist [[Pravy Sektor]] flag discovered on the wall of the Security Service of Ukraine (gestapo) by liberating Russian forces in Mariupol.<ref>https://videopress.com/v/L0mIYmbt</ref>]]

[[File:SBU Pravy Sektor.PNG|left|300px|thumb|Fascist [[Pravy Sektor]] flag discovered on the wall of the Security Service of Ukraine (gestapo) by liberating Russian forces in Mariupol.<ref>https://videopress.com/v/L0mIYmbt</ref>]]

On March 23, 2022 it was reported that what remained of the Azov Battalion was pinned down by Chechen fighters in the steel plant in the eastern portion of the city.<ref>https://youtu.be/6uMGMgZvWLo</ref>  Azov, which originally consisted of about 14,000 fighters, was whittled down to about 6,000. They were cut off from NATO resupply of weapons and ammunition, without water, food, fuel or electricity.  Many were either killed in Mariupol, or escaped posing as civilians through humanitarian corridors. Some dressed as women to escape.<ref>https://greekcitytimes.com/2022/03/24/ukrainian-soldier-mariupol-video/</ref>  Azov fighters, like their Nazi SS forebearers, are all tattooed and easily identifiable when captured.  The International Red Cross agreed to deliver humanitarian relief and investigate Ukrainian war crimes, but according to reports was held up by Ukrainian attacks on Red Cross supply trains.

On March 23, 2022, it was reported that what remained of the Azov Battalion was pinned down by Chechen fighters in the steel plant in the eastern portion of the city.<ref>https://youtu.be/6uMGMgZvWLo</ref>  Azov, which originally consisted of about 14,000 fighters, was whittled down to about 6,000. They were cut off from NATO resupply of weapons and ammunition, without water, food, fuel or electricity.  Many were either killed in Mariupol, or escaped posing as civilians through humanitarian corridors. Some dressed as women to escape.<ref>https://greekcitytimes.com/2022/03/24/ukrainian-soldier-mariupol-video/</ref>  Azov fighters, like their Nazi SS forebearers, are all tattooed and easily identifiable when captured.  The International Red Cross agreed to deliver humanitarian relief and investigate Ukrainian war crimes, but according to reports was held up by Ukrainian attacks on Red Cross supply trains.

On April 8, the Russians took control of the port of Mariupol.  All hostages, including foreigners, were released.  During the Ukrainians retreat from the port they had burnt all the grainery storage facilities.<ref>https://en.news-front.info/2022/06/06/ukrainian-armed-forces-set-fire-to-tonnes-of-grain-in-mariupol-port-during-retreat/?</ref>  The Ukrainians had mined the harbor.  The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that radio intercepts showed a significant number of foreign mercenaries carried out communications in six other [[European]] languages.  It was estimated  there were at least about 100 foreign fighters.  The ministry spokesman stressed that the forces trapped in Mariupol are not the celebrated "defenders of so-called European values, but foreign mercenaries, who have come here to kill [[Slav]]s for [[American]] [[dollar]]s while hiding behind a human shield of civilians."

On April 8, the Russians took control of the port of Mariupol.  All hostages, including foreigners, were released.  During the Ukrainians retreat from the port they had burnt all the grainery storage facilities.<ref>https://en.news-front.info/2022/06/06/ukrainian-armed-forces-set-fire-to-tonnes-of-grain-in-mariupol-port-during-retreat/?</ref>  The Ukrainians had mined the harbor.  The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that radio intercepts showed a significant number of foreign mercenaries carried out communications in six other [[European]] languages.  It was estimated  there were at least about 100 foreign fighters.  The ministry spokesman stressed that the forces trapped in Mariupol are not the celebrated "defenders of so-called European values, but foreign mercenaries, who have come here to kill [[Slav]]s for [[American]] [[dollar]]s while hiding behind a human shield of civilians."

On April 16, 2022 the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the liberation of residential areas and summarized the situation in Mariupol:<ref>https://youtu.be/LqZ8ltN5xr8</ref>

On April 16, 2022, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the liberation of residential areas and summarized the situation in Mariupol:<ref>https://youtu.be/LqZ8ltN5xr8</ref>

{{quotebox-float|"The entire urban area of ​​Mariupol is completely cleared of militants of the Nazi formation "Azov", foreign mercenaries and Ukrainian troops. The remnants of the Ukrainian group are currently completely blocked on the territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant. Their only chance to save their lives is to voluntarily lay down their arms and surrender.

{{quotebox-float|"The entire urban area of ​​Mariupol is completely cleared of militants of the Nazi formation "Azov", foreign mercenaries and Ukrainian troops. The remnants of the Ukrainian group are currently completely blocked on the territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant. Their only chance to save their lives is to voluntarily lay down their arms and surrender.

===Ukrainian use of civilian human shields===

===Ukrainian use of civilian human shields===

[[File:Ukrainian tactics.PNG|right|300px|thumb|Illustration of Ukrainian tactics, illegally turning residential compounds into legitimate military targets, presented to the UN Security Council, May 6, 2022.<ref>https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1p/k1pvngjn8e</ref>]]

[[File:Ukrainian tactics.PNG|right|300px|thumb|Illustration of Ukrainian tactics, illegally turning residential compounds into legitimate military targets, presented to the UN Security Council, May 6, 2022.<ref>https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1p/k1pvngjn8e</ref>]]

According to the testimony of civilian survivors, Azov Nazis shot civilians attempting to flee the city.<ref>https://twitter.com/qwirkygyal/status/1504574416239349766</ref><ref>https://youtu.be/YtSSpJqmy84</ref>  One civilian survivor testified that Ukrainian forces shot up whole "busloads" of fleeing civilians.  In a [[YouTube]] broadcast from AZOV Media, Ukrainian Nazis admitted they use civilians as human shields:.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYAFf2ZyPOk</ref>

According to the testimony of civilian survivors, Azov Nazis shot civilians attempting to flee the city.<ref>https://twitter.com/qwirkygyal/status/1504574416239349766</ref><ref>https://youtu.be/YtSSpJqmy84</ref>  One civilian survivor testified that Ukrainian forces shot up whole "busloads" of fleeing civilians.  In a [[YouTube]] broadcast from AZOV Media, Ukrainian Nazis admitted they use civilians as human shields:.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYAFf2ZyPOk]</ref>

{{quotebox-float|''"In total, as of this hour, over the past day, the irrevocable losses of horde barbarians reached up to 50 people of infantry, 2 tanks, 2 armored personnel carriers, 1 MTLB and one armored personnel carrier they left on the battlefield. Several trucks were also destroyed.  The land component of the enemy horde suffers heavy losses. '''These savages distribute white armbands to civilians, thereby making it harder for our military to work.''' But believe me, orcas, we understand where you are and where are the civilians!"'' <ref>[https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Talk:Main_Page&diff=prev&oldid=1846839 From Google Translate]</ref>}}   

{{quotebox-float|''"In total, as of this hour, over the past day, the irrevocable losses of horde barbarians reached up to 50 people of infantry, 2 tanks, 2 armored personnel carriers, 1 MTLB and one armored personnel carrier they left on the battlefield. Several trucks were also destroyed.  The land component of the enemy horde suffers heavy losses. '''These savages distribute white armbands to civilians, thereby making it harder for our military to work.''' But believe me, orcas, we understand where you are and where are the civilians!"'' <ref>[https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Talk:Main_Page&diff=prev&oldid=1846839 From Google Translate]</ref>}}   

In the so-called '[[Bucha massacre]],' all the dead bodies, or at least those bodies which were not crisis actors, had white armbands.  

In the so-called '[[Bucha massacre]],' all the dead bodies, or at least those bodies which were not crisis actors, had white armbands.  

By April 10, 2022, virtually all the civilian residential neighborhoods had been cleared and all the fighting was confined within the industrial zone.

By April 10, 2022, virtually all the civilian residential neighborhoods had been cleared and all the fighting was confined within the industrial zone.

On April 18, 2022 the Azov Battalion began broadcasting videos of family members of Azov fighters in the Azovstal bunker.<ref>https://youtu.be/tFt_Dlo6CIQ</ref>  Reports On April 19, one hundred forty civilian were liberated from Azovstal.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/QGeRJWSzDCRG/</ref>  These were not the civilians who were allegedly held hostage, but people who lived near the facility.  On April 30, 2022, twenty-five civilians including 6 children escaped Azovstal through humanitarian corridors provided by the Russians.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/4sH6OLcMl3rZ/</ref>

On April 18, 2022, the Azov Battalion began broadcasting videos of family members of Azov fighters in the Azovstal bunker.<ref>https://youtu.be/tFt_Dlo6CIQ</ref>  Reports On April 19, one hundred forty civilian were liberated from Azovstal.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/QGeRJWSzDCRG/</ref>  These were not the civilians who were allegedly held hostage, but people who lived near the facility.  On April 30, 2022, twenty-five civilians including 6 children escaped Azovstal through humanitarian corridors provided by the Russians.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/4sH6OLcMl3rZ/</ref>

===Mariupol Drama theater===

===Mariupol Drama theater===

Ironically, the Azovstal steel plant was occupied by the Germans during World War II as a key point of operations, and became the last holdout for Azov Nazis during the Battle of Mariupol.

Ironically, the Azovstal steel plant was occupied by the Germans during World War II as a key point of operations, and became the last holdout for Azov Nazis during the Battle of Mariupol.

[[File:Azovstal credit Graham Phillips.PNG|left|300px|thumb|Azovstal drone shot, April 30, 2022 by Graham Phillips.]]

[[File:Azovstal credit Graham Phillips.PNG|left|300px|thumb|Azovstal drone shot, April 30, 2022, by Graham Phillips.]]

By March 18, 2022, about 6,000 members of the Azov Battalion continued resisting a force of about 12,000 Russians in an 11 square kilometer area in three steel plants, Azovstal, Ilyich [Steel and Iron Works] and Azovmash,<ref>https://rumble.com/v10ffce-ukraine-birds-eye-view-of-avovstal.-the-last-bastion-of-mariupol..html</ref> in an industrial zone of eastern Mariupol.<ref>https://tass.com/politics/1429931</ref>  Beneath the Azovstal steel plant, a massive, well-fortified underground complex with 6 levels of bunkers extending 90 meters down, was built in Soviet times with 24 kilometers of tunnels.  A tunnel running beneath the Kalmius River connects Azovstal to the Ilyich plant.<ref>https://youtu.be/LD2eAMtXTAs?t=627</ref>

By March 18, 2022, about 6,000 members of the Azov Battalion continued resisting a force of about 12,000 Russians in an 11 square kilometer area in three steel plants, Azovstal, Ilyich [Steel and Iron Works] and Azovmash,<ref>https://rumble.com/v10ffce-ukraine-birds-eye-view-of-avovstal.-the-last-bastion-of-mariupol..html</ref> in an industrial zone of eastern Mariupol.<ref>https://tass.com/politics/1429931</ref>  Beneath the Azovstal steel plant, a massive, well-fortified underground complex with 6 levels of bunkers extending 90 meters down, was built in Soviet times with 24 kilometers of tunnels.  A tunnel running beneath the Kalmius River connects Azovstal to the Ilyich plant.<ref>https://youtu.be/LD2eAMtXTAs?t=627</ref>

<!--[[File:Azovstal sarcophagus.PNG|right|300px|thumb|Like their hero [[Adolf Hitler]], [[Azov Nazis]] final minutes were spent hiding in a bunker, the Azovstal Sarcophagus.]]-->

<!--[[File:Azovstal sarcophagus.PNG|right|300px|thumb|Like their hero [[Adolf Hitler]], [[Azov Nazis]] final minutes were spent hiding in a bunker, the Azovstal Sarcophagus.]]-->

On April 1, 2022, WarGonzo reported on his [[YouTube]] channel that DPR and Russian forces moved against Azovstal from multiple directions at once, including amphibious landings, and had entered the massive complex.  

On April 1, 2022, WarGonzo reported on his [[YouTube]] channel that DPR and Russian forces moved against Azovstal from multiple directions at once, including amphibious landings, and had entered the massive complex.  

    

    

On April 10, 2022 German reports surfaced that the underground Azovstal bunker complex contained a NATO command center known as a PIT-404 facility as well as a biolab operated by Metabiota.  About 240 NATO personnel were present and as well as elements of the French Foreign Legion.  The report identified officers from United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Turkiye, and Greece present.<ref>https://youtu.be/SbphxmiROmg</ref>  Other sources indicated that Azovstal was used a secret prison complex where torture and other horrific human rights abuses took place at the hands of the Nazi-dominated Ukrainian Security Services where people were "disappeared" to.<ref>https://youtu.be/659Q54SB9Ks</ref>  Since the Maidan regime took power, over 1,000 people have been "disappeared" in the Donbas.

On April 10, 2022, German reports surfaced that the underground Azovstal bunker complex contained a NATO command center known as a PIT-404 facility as well as a biolab operated by Metabiota.  About 240 NATO personnel were present and as well as elements of the French Foreign Legion.  The report identified officers from United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Turkiye, and Greece present.<ref>https://youtu.be/SbphxmiROmg</ref>  Other sources indicated that Azovstal was used a secret prison complex where torture and other horrific human rights abuses took place at the hands of the Nazi-dominated Ukrainian Security Services where people were "disappeared" to.<ref>https://youtu.be/659Q54SB9Ks</ref>  Since the Maidan regime took power, over 1,000 people have been "disappeared" in the Donbas.

On the night of the April 10, the 36th Navy Brigade posted on Facebook [Google translation, edited]:

On the night of the April 10, the 36th Navy Brigade posted on Facebook [Google translation, edited]:

The Russian Defense Ministry called a ceasefire for 6:00 AM, Easter Sunday morning on April 17, appealing to the remaining holdouts in the Azovstal to lay down their arms and surrender, promising them life and safety.  The offer went to AFU, nationalists, NATO and foreign mercenaries.  Zelensky vowed the Nazis would fight to the end.

The Russian Defense Ministry called a ceasefire for 6:00 AM, Easter Sunday morning on April 17, appealing to the remaining holdouts in the Azovstal to lay down their arms and surrender, promising them life and safety.  The offer went to AFU, nationalists, NATO and foreign mercenaries.  Zelensky vowed the Nazis would fight to the end.

On April 18, 2022 WarGonzo reported that RF forces had captured northern portions of the Azovstal factory.<ref>https://southfront.org/first-video-from-the-scene-russian-assault-on-azovstal-in-mariupol/</ref><ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/wlCFEDxkZz3T/|</ref><ref>https://twitter.com/200_zoka/status/1516810203953516547</ref>  [[U.S. Army]] documents were found in captured portions of the previously nazi-occupied complex.<ref>[https://www.bitchute.com/video/lpTLtng8aagr/ U.S. ARMY DOCUMENTS FOUND IN AZOV BASE]</ref>

On April 18, 2022, WarGonzo reported that RF forces had captured northern portions of the Azovstal factory.<ref>https://southfront.org/first-video-from-the-scene-russian-assault-on-azovstal-in-mariupol/</ref><ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/wlCFEDxkZz3T/|</ref><ref>https://twitter.com/200_zoka/status/1516810203953516547</ref>  [[U.S. Army]] documents were found in captured portions of the previously nazi-occupied complex.<ref>[https://www.bitchute.com/video/lpTLtng8aagr/ U.S. ARMY DOCUMENTS FOUND IN AZOV BASE]</ref>

In late April 2022, the acting commander of what remained of Ukraine’s 36th Marine Brigade posted a video, addressing the Kyiv leadership in perfect unaccented Russian, asking for help to evacuate.<ref>https://videopress.com/v/VFgaLCf3</ref>

In late April 2022, the acting commander of what remained of Ukraine's 36th Marine Brigade posted a video, addressing the Kyiv leadership in perfect unaccented Russian, asking for help to evacuate.<ref>https://videopress.com/v/VFgaLCf3</ref>

By May 5, 2022, after the evacuation of more than 120 civilians, fighting resumed.  Azov militants opened fire hoping to find a weak point in the encirclement.  Russian forces returned artillery fire.  The Russian news agency ''RIA Novosti'' reported that there still could be more than 200 civilians, including women, children and the elderly held in the basements.  The Azov militants offered to exchange the civilians for food and medicines.  Russians commanders said,

By May 5, 2022, after the evacuation of more than 120 civilians, fighting resumed.  Azov militants opened fire hoping to find a weak point in the encirclement.  Russian forces returned artillery fire.  The Russian news agency ''RIA Novosti'' reported that there still could be more than 200 civilians, including women, children and the elderly held in the basements.  The Azov militants offered to exchange the civilians for food and medicines.  Russians commanders said,

===NATO officers in Azovstal===

===NATO officers in Azovstal===

[[File:Azovstal.jpg|left|300px|thumb|The Azovstal steel plant, with its underground bunkers built to withstand World War III.]]

[[File:Azovstal.jpg|left|300px|thumb|The Azovstal steel plant, with its underground bunkers built to withstand World War III.]]

On March 28, 2022 five helicopters took off from Nikolaev, flew 7 meters above the waves and landed in Mariupol.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/TuFECE4rtyWP/</ref>  Their mission  was to evacuate fighters from Azovstal. After they took off, two helicopters were shot down, but another three got away, with a possible third helicopter ditching in the waters off the coast.  Two [[French]] officers of the main department of external security of the Ministry of Defense of the French Republic (DGSE) were reportedly on board.<ref>https://avia--pro-net.translate.goog/news/na-ukraine-sbit-vertolyot-s-oficerami-francuzskoy-razvedki-dgse</ref>  The head of French military intelligence was fired days latter.   

On March 28, 2022, five helicopters took off from Nikolaev, flew 7 meters above the waves and landed in Mariupol.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/TuFECE4rtyWP/</ref>  Their mission  was to evacuate fighters from Azovstal. After they took off, two helicopters were shot down, but another three got away, with a possible third helicopter ditching in the waters off the coast.  Two [[French]] officers of the main department of external security of the Ministry of Defense of the French Republic (DGSE) were reportedly on board.<ref>https://avia--pro-net.translate.goog/news/na-ukraine-sbit-vertolyot-s-oficerami-francuzskoy-razvedki-dgse</ref>  The head of French military intelligence was fired days latter.   

On April 5, two more helicopters were shot down over the [[Sea of Azov]] which was attempting to reach Azovstal.  An unconfirmed report posted on [[social media]] accredited to journalist German Vladimirov read, “NATO officers from France, Germany, Britain and “neutral” Sweden got stuck at Azovstal in Mariupol. Right now they are getting in touch with the Russian troops with a request to help them leave, to organize a corridor for the exit."<ref>https://www.veteranstoday.com/2022/04/06/more-nato-officers-serving-with-azov-in-mariupol-ask-russia-to-save-them/</ref>  The reports about NATO commanders taking shelter with Azov militants in Mariupol may explain why NATO member states especially France and [[Turkiye]] insist on carrying out a humanitarian mission in Mariupol, but only with the participation of their military.

On April 5, two more helicopters were shot down over the [[Sea of Azov]] which was attempting to reach Azovstal.  An unconfirmed report posted on [[social media]] accredited to journalist German Vladimirov read, “NATO officers from France, Germany, Britain and “neutral” Sweden got stuck at Azovstal in Mariupol. Right now they are getting in touch with the Russian troops with a request to help them leave, to organize a corridor for the exit."<ref>https://www.veteranstoday.com/2022/04/06/more-nato-officers-serving-with-azov-in-mariupol-ask-russia-to-save-them/</ref>  The reports about NATO commanders taking shelter with Azov militants in Mariupol may explain why NATO member states especially France and [[Turkiye]] insist on carrying out a humanitarian mission in Mariupol, but only with the participation of their military.

As of May 9, 2022, roughly 1,000 people, civilian and military, were reported to have been evacuated from Azovstal under the plan negotiated by UN General Secretary António Guterres and evacuations ended, leaving about 500 deadenders in the bunkers below.  Humanitarian corridors were closed. ''[[RT]]'' reported over 300 more Azovstal holdouts surrendered on May 15.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/lONiVlqpXJJ7/</ref>

As of May 9, 2022, roughly 1,000 people, civilian and military, were reported to have been evacuated from Azovstal under the plan negotiated by UN General Secretary António Guterres and evacuations ended, leaving about 500 deadenders in the bunkers below.  Humanitarian corridors were closed. ''[[RT]]'' reported over 300 more Azovstal holdouts surrendered on May 15.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/lONiVlqpXJJ7/</ref>

On May 16, 2022 all fighting within the confines of the massive Azovstal steel plant came to an end when the remaining Azov fighters asked to surrender.  They had ran out of food a week earlier.  With help from Russian soldiers, the Azov fighters first had to de-mine booby traps that had been set up leading from the exit.  Mass unconditional surrenders began, taking 3 full days to process.  55 seriously wounded (ambulatory) were taken immediately east to the Novoazovsk hospital in the Donetsk Republic Another 221 people the first day were sent north to the Elenovka POW camp in the  Donetsk Republic.  Searches, screenings, and preliminary interrogations to look for Nazis were conducted.  A tattoo can make the difference between the status of regular POW and accused war criminal, especially if it’s a swastika or other Nazi insignia.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/d5kDqZs9Hmep/</ref>  Russian war correspondent Dmitry Steshin who was at the surrender for its entirety, recorded this:

On May 16, 2022, all fighting within the confines of the massive Azovstal steel plant came to an end when the remaining Azov fighters asked to surrender.  They had run out of food a week earlier.  With help from Russian soldiers, the Azov fighters first had to de-mine booby traps that had been set up leading from the exit.  Mass unconditional surrenders began, taking 3 full days to process.  55 seriously wounded (ambulatory) were taken immediately east to the Novoazovsk hospital in the Donetsk Republic Another 221 people the first day were sent north to the Elenovka POW camp in the  Donetsk Republic.  Searches, screenings, and preliminary interrogations to look for Nazis were conducted.  A tattoo can make the difference between the status of regular POW and accused war criminal, especially if it's a swastika or other Nazi insignia.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/d5kDqZs9Hmep/</ref>  Russian war correspondent Dmitry Steshin who was at the surrender for its entirety, recorded this:

{{quotebox-float|"Steshin is accompanied by a [[DPR]] soldier named Vlad, who hails from Poltava. They have been inseparable for the past 3 months on the road. Vlad was filled with [[hatred]] against these Ukrainian Nazis, and wanted revenge. But now something is happening to him: At the sight of the captives, his hatred and anger start to melt away, and he becomes calmer. Steshin philosophizes about the “Russian soul”, and how this effect works: At the sight of a conquered enemy, the Russian rage wilts, then [[compassion]] becomes more dominant within the psyche. To be sure, these Nazis will be put on trial for their crimes. But it is not the Russian way to carry out battlefield justice."<ref>https://awfulavalanche.wordpress.com/2022/05/19/ukraine-war-day-85-up-close-look-at-azovstal-surrender-i-mean-evacuation/</ref>}}

{{quotebox-float|"Steshin is accompanied by a [[DPR]] soldier named Vlad, who hails from Poltava. They have been inseparable for the past 3 months on the road. Vlad was filled with [[hatred]] against these Ukrainian Nazis, and wanted revenge. But now something is happening to him: At the sight of the captives, his hatred and anger start to melt away, and he becomes calmer. Steshin philosophizes about the “Russian soul”, and how this effect works: At the sight of a conquered enemy, the Russian rage wilts, then [[compassion]] becomes more dominant within the psyche. To be sure, these Nazis will be put on trial for their crimes. But it is not the Russian way to carry out battlefield justice."<ref>https://awfulavalanche.wordpress.com/2022/05/19/ukraine-war-day-85-up-close-look-at-azovstal-surrender-i-mean-evacuation/</ref>}}

[[File:Ukrainian Nazis surrender.PNG|left|400px|thumb|Ukrainian Nazis surrender at Azovstal: (left) SS Galicia Division insignia, (right) SS Totenkopfverbände insignia.]]

[[File:Ukrainian Nazis surrender.PNG|left|400px|thumb|Ukrainian Nazis surrender at Azovstal: (left) SS Galicia Division insignia, (right) SS Totenkopfverbände insignia.]]

On May 18, 2022, the total number of surrenders rose to 959. It was previously thought to be about 1,700 holdouts until the end.  DPR leader Denis Pushilin told journalists, “A court will rule on the fate of Ukrainian militants who surrendered at Mariupol’s Azovstal plant…As for war criminals and those who are nationalists, if they laid down their arms their fate should be decided by the court. Regardless of the emotions of some people, I heard various opinions, if an adversary laid down the arms, the future fate is decided by the court. If this is a Nazi criminal, then by a court martial"<ref>https://tass.com/politics/1452579</ref>

On May 18, 2022, the total number of surrenders rose to 959. It was previously thought to be about 1,700 holdouts until the end.  DPR leader Denis Pushilin told journalists, “A court will rule on the fate of Ukrainian militants who surrendered at Mariupol’s Azovstal plant…As for war criminals and those who are nationalists, if they laid down their arms their fate should be decided by the court. Regardless of the emotions of some people, I heard various opinions, if an adversary laid down the arms, the future fate is decided by the court. If this is a Nazi criminal, then by a court martial"<ref>https://tass.com/politics/1452579</ref>

The total number of unconditional surrenders since Monday, May 16, 2022 cascaded to 2,439 by May 20,<ref>https://youtu.be/v0GaoTJ4lKA</ref> more captures than were taken in the two major battles of Ilovaisk and Debaltseve combined in 2014 and 2015 during the earlier Donbas war.  This figure included at least 717 Azov fighters.  People who swore to fight Russians until the last drop of blood surrendered. Kyiv tried to whitewash that embarrassment.<ref>https://thesaker.is/a-major-national-embarrassment-is-being-hidden-from-ukrainians/</ref>  Azov Regiment commander Lt. Colonel Denys Prokopenko (call sign "Radish") surrendered and was transported to Russia to face a denazification Tribunal in an armored vehicle for fear of reprisals against the accused by the civilian population of Mariupol.<ref>https://www.mk.ru/politics/2022/05/20/komandir-azova-denis-prokopenko-sdalsya-rossiyskim-voyskam.html?</ref><ref>[https://ria.ru/20220520/azovstal-1789847272.html «Командира» нацистов вывезли с «Азовстали» в специальном бронеавтомобиле]</ref>

The total number of unconditional surrenders since Monday, May 16, 2022, cascaded to 2,439 by May 20,<ref>https://youtu.be/v0GaoTJ4lKA</ref> more captures than were taken in the two major battles of Ilovaisk and Debaltseve combined in 2014 and 2015 during the earlier Donbas war.  This figure included at least 717 Azov fighters.  People who swore to fight Russians until the last drop of blood surrendered. Kyiv tried to whitewash that embarrassment.<ref>https://thesaker.is/a-major-national-embarrassment-is-being-hidden-from-ukrainians/</ref>  Azov Regiment commander Lt. Colonel Denys Prokopenko (call sign "Radish") surrendered and was transported to Russia to face a denazification Tribunal in an armored vehicle for fear of reprisals against the accused by the civilian population of Mariupol.<ref>https://www.mk.ru/politics/2022/05/20/komandir-azova-denis-prokopenko-sdalsya-rossiyskim-voyskam.html?</ref><ref>[https://ria.ru/20220520/azovstal-1789847272.html «Командира» нацистов вывезли с «Азовстали» в специальном бронеавтомобиле]</ref>

In sum, 2,511 Azoz personnel were captured throughout the duration of the fighting in Mariupol.  Individually, all were carrying large amounts of money - dollars, euros, Ukrainian hryvnia, and gold.  All faced criminal prosecution and not military justice.<ref>https://youtu.be/qBM6YhjQtbI</ref>  Reports in early June 2022 indicated that Azov Nazis had been transferred to the Yelenovskaya penal colony in the DPR.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/IIRhUa5VTxT6/</ref>

In sum, 2,511 Azoz personnel were captured throughout the duration of the fighting in Mariupol.  Individually, all were carrying large amounts of money - dollars, euros, Ukrainian hryvnia, and gold.  All faced criminal prosecution and not military justice.<ref>https://youtu.be/qBM6YhjQtbI</ref>  Reports in early June 2022 indicated that Azov Nazis had been transferred to the Yelenovskaya penal colony in the DPR.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/IIRhUa5VTxT6/</ref>

===Elenovka strike===

===Elenovka strike===

[[File:Elenovka.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Elenovka POW camp.]]

[[File:Elenovka.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Elenovka POW camp.]]

On July 29, 2022 ''Reuters'' reported the prisoner-of-war camp at Elenovka was hit by a U.S.-built [[HIMAR]], causing the deaths of 40 prisoners and 13 guards and prison employees.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-40-ukrainian-pows-killed-by-ukrainian-missile-strike-donetsk-prison-2022-07-29/</ref>  At least one hundred other prisoners were injured.  Sources reported that captured Ukrainian prisoners-of-war were giving up much critical information on U.S./Ukraine/NATO operations and illegal weapon's transfers, including arms to [[Kurdish]] [[terrorist]]s in [[Syria]] to be used against NATO member [[Turkiye]].<ref> https://youtu.be/I9mKoOLSvmc</ref>  Ukraine forces on the battlefield attempting to surrender have been documented to have been executed by Ukrainian commanders.  A bill was introduced into the Ukrainian parliament granting legal authority to Ukrainian commanders to execute Ukrainian soldiers who wanted to surrender.  Morale was reported to have fallen in recent weeks among Azov Battalion detainees as they realized the Kyiv regime was not negotiating for their exchange for Russian POWs.

On July 29, 2022 ''Reuters'' reported the prisoner-of-war camp at Elenovka was hit by a U.S.-built [[HIMAR]], causing the deaths of 40 prisoners and 13 guards and prison employees.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-40-ukrainian-pows-killed-by-ukrainian-missile-strike-donetsk-prison-2022-07-29/</ref>  At least one hundred other prisoners were injured.  Sources reported that captured Ukrainian prisoners-of-war were giving up much critical information on U.S./Ukraine/NATO operations and illegal weapon's transfers, including arms to [[Kurdish]] [[terrorist]]s in [[Syria]] to be used against NATO member [[Turkiye]].<ref>https://youtu.be/I9mKoOLSvmc</ref>  Ukraine forces on the battlefield attempting to surrender have been documented to have been executed by Ukrainian commanders.  A bill was introduced into the Ukrainian parliament granting legal authority to Ukrainian commanders to execute Ukrainian soldiers who wanted to surrender.  Morale was reported to have fallen in recent weeks among Azov Battalion detainees as they realized the Kyiv regime was not negotiating for their exchange for Russian POWs.

===Reconstruction===

===Reconstruction===

By May 25, 2022 the Mariupol sea port had been reopened.<ref>https://youtu.be/iZ3iyYN9954</ref>  134 buildings were examined for weapons and over 12,000 explosive objects, many supplied by NATO, were found.  Ukraine mined its own harbors, blocking the export of their own grain.<ref>https://en.news-front.info/2022/05/25/russia-will-not-risk-russian-sappers-for-ukrainian-grain/</ref>  Sappers (bomb disposal experts) inspected more than 50 km of the Azov Sea coast and 300 different munitions were defused.  The Russian Defense Ministry opened the first humanitarian corridor for foreign ships from Mariupol.  In a telephone conversation with [[Austrian]] Chancellor Karl Nehammer, a neutral intermediary, ''Tass'' reported that President Putin said Ukraine should de-mine its ports to ensure free passage of the blocked ships as soon as possible.<ref>https://tass.com/politics/1457049</ref>

By May 25, 2022 the Mariupol sea port had been reopened.<ref>https://youtu.be/iZ3iyYN9954</ref>  134 buildings were examined for weapons and over 12,000 explosive objects, many supplied by NATO, were found.  Ukraine mined its own harbors, blocking the export of their own grain.<ref>https://en.news-front.info/2022/05/25/russia-will-not-risk-russian-sappers-for-ukrainian-grain/</ref>  Sappers (bomb disposal experts) inspected more than 50 km of the Azov Sea coast and 300 different munitions were defused.  The Russian Defense Ministry opened the first humanitarian corridor for foreign ships from Mariupol.  In a telephone conversation with [[Austrian]] Chancellor Karl Nehammer, a neutral intermediary, ''Tass'' reported that President Putin said Ukraine should de-mine its ports to ensure free passage of the blocked ships as soon as possible.<ref>https://tass.com/politics/1457049</ref>

A DPR soldier who was tortured in captivity was exchanged and met his Nazi torturer who was captured in Azovstal.  The Nazi begged for forgiveness in tears. <ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/4g8IQRbMtDQr/</ref>

A DPR soldier who was tortured in captivity was exchanged and met his Nazi torturer who was captured in Azovstal.  The Nazi begged for forgiveness in tears.<ref>https://www.bitchute.com/video/4g8IQRbMtDQr/</ref>

==Propaganda war==

==Propaganda war==

===Maternity hospital bombing===

===Maternity hospital bombing===

In April 2022 the ‘maternity ward girl’ come forward. Named Marianne, it turns out she’s from the Donbass and has completely refuted Ukrainian propaganda. She stated in her interview that not only was the maternity not “bombed” by any planes like the [[fake news]] contends, but she recounts how the Ukrainian military stormed the maternity ward, stole all the patients’ food even after she told them they were for the pregnant women, didn’t tell anyone of any attacks and after the “attack”, conveniently the Ukrainian soldiers appeared only minutes later already towing western photojournalists, basically used her as a “prop” despite her crying and repeatedly telling them to stop taking photos. It apparently was a rehearsed [[psyop]] event where the photographers were already waiting in the wings for the aftermath, and the pregnant showpiece was perfectly utilized as an object of orchestrated propaganda.

In April 2022 the ‘maternity ward girl’ come forward. Named Marianne, it turns out she's from the Donbass and has completely refuted Ukrainian propaganda. She stated in her interview that not only was the maternity not “bombed” by any planes like the [[fake news]] contends, but she recounts how the Ukrainian military stormed the maternity ward, stole all the patients’ food even after she told them they were for the pregnant women, didn't tell anyone of any attacks and after the “attack”, conveniently the Ukrainian soldiers appeared only minutes later already towing western photojournalists, basically used her as a “prop” despite her crying and repeatedly telling them to stop taking photos. It apparently was a rehearsed [[psyop]] event where the photographers were already waiting in the wings for the aftermath, and the pregnant showpiece was perfectly utilized as an object of orchestrated propaganda.

Marianne said that there was no air raid, which was independently confirmed. They said it was a shell of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.  The woman said that after the start of the Russian special operation, she was unable to leave Mariupol – the Ukrainian authorities did not let people out.  The maternity hospital was occupied by the fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: “The military did not help in any way, they came one day and said: “Give me food.” They are told: “This is all for pregnant women.” And they took our food.”

Marianne said that there was no air raid, which was independently confirmed. They said it was a shell of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.  The woman said that after the start of the Russian special operation, she was unable to leave Mariupol – the Ukrainian authorities did not let people out.  The maternity hospital was occupied by the fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: “The military did not help in any way, they came one day and said: “Give me food.” They are told: “This is all for pregnant women.” And they took our food.”

On September 27, 2017, OPCW announced that Russia had destroyed its entire chemical weapons stockpile.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rbc.ru/society/27/09/2017/59cb9f2b9a79472490943b5b|title=Путин поучаствовал в уничтожении последнего в России килограмма химоружия|website=РБК|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.opcw.org/media-centre/news/2017/09/opcw-director-general-commends-major-milestone-russia-completes|title=OPCW Director-General Commends Major Milestone as Russia Completes Destruction of Chemical Weapons Stockpile under OPCW Verification|website=OPCW}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.opcw.org/fileadmin/OPCW/CSP/C-22/national_statements/UK_Statement.pdf|title=UK Delegation to the OPCW}}</ref>

On September 27, 2017, OPCW announced that Russia had destroyed its entire chemical weapons stockpile.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rbc.ru/society/27/09/2017/59cb9f2b9a79472490943b5b|title=Путин поучаствовал в уничтожении последнего в России килограмма химоружия|website=РБК|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.opcw.org/media-centre/news/2017/09/opcw-director-general-commends-major-milestone-russia-completes|title=OPCW Director-General Commends Major Milestone as Russia Completes Destruction of Chemical Weapons Stockpile under OPCW Verification|website=OPCW}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.opcw.org/fileadmin/OPCW/CSP/C-22/national_statements/UK_Statement.pdf|title=UK Delegation to the OPCW}}</ref>

According to Jacques Baud, a former high-ranking NATO and UN official, on January 18, 2022 Donbas defense units captured Polish speaking saboteurs equipped with Western equipment and who were seeking to create chemical incidents in Horlivka.<ref>https://mronline.org/2022/04/10/the-military-situation-in-the-ukraine/</ref>

According to Jacques Baud, a former high-ranking NATO and UN official, on January 18, 2022, Donbas defense units captured Polish speaking saboteurs equipped with Western equipment and who were seeking to create chemical incidents in Horlivka.<ref>https://mronline.org/2022/04/10/the-military-situation-in-the-ukraine/</ref>

Every indication by the Americans early on was for preparation of another false flag chemical weapons attack. By early April, it appeared it would possibly occur in Kharkiv, Kyiv, or Poland.  On April 6, 2022 the Russian Ministry of Defense accused Ukraine of preparing a false flag chemical weapons attack with [[chlorine]] in Pervomaiskyi, in the Kharkiv region.<ref>https://liveuamap.com/en/2022/6-april-russian-ministry-of-defense-accuse-ukraine-in-preparation</ref>  In a story published by NBC News on April 6, 20222 about the U.S. [[intelligence community]]'s use of [[fake news]] in its propaganda war against Russia entitled, ''In a break with the past, U.S. is using intel to fight an info war with Russia, even when the intel isn't rock solid,''<ref>https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/us-using-declassified-intel-fight-info-war-russia-even-intel-isnt-rock-rcna23014</ref> the article included this statement:

Every indication by the Americans early on was for preparation of another false flag chemical weapons attack. By early April, it appeared it would possibly occur in Kharkiv, Kyiv, or Poland.  On April 6, 2022, the Russian Ministry of Defense accused Ukraine of preparing a false flag chemical weapons attack with [[chlorine]] in Pervomaiskyi, in the Kharkiv region.<ref>https://liveuamap.com/en/2022/6-april-russian-ministry-of-defense-accuse-ukraine-in-preparation</ref>  In a story published by NBC News on April 6, 20222 about the U.S. [[intelligence community]]'s use of [[fake news]] in its propaganda war against Russia entitled, ''In a break with the past, U.S. is using intel to fight an info war with Russia, even when the intel isn't rock solid,''<ref>https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/us-using-declassified-intel-fight-info-war-russia-even-intel-isnt-rock-rcna23014</ref> the article included this statement:

{{quotebox-float|"three U.S. officials told NBC News this week there is no evidence Russia has brought any chemical weapons near Ukraine."}}

{{quotebox-float|"three U.S. officials told NBC News this week there is no evidence Russia has brought any chemical weapons near Ukraine."}}

Nonetheless the fake news about Russia plotting a chemical weapons attack can be traced back to the mouth of [[White House]] chief propagandist [[Jen Psaki]].<ref>https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-jen-psaki-chemical-weapons-weapons-of-mass-destruction-f01cedf434ec697034b2912696a3448b</ref>

Nonetheless, the fake news about Russia plotting a chemical weapons attack can be traced back to the mouth of [[White House]] chief propagandist [[Jen Psaki]].<ref>https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-jen-psaki-chemical-weapons-weapons-of-mass-destruction-f01cedf434ec697034b2912696a3448b</ref>

On April 11, 2022 Western-backed Nazi remnants hopelessly trapped in the Azovstal steel plant broadcast details of an alleged chemical weapons attack.<ref>https://youtu.be/1NplyTyCjL0</ref>  This 'red line' that [[Russophobic]] hardliners in the West vowed would bring about NATO intervention was largely ignored by Western media and governments.

On April 11, 2022, Western-backed Nazi remnants hopelessly trapped in the Azovstal steel plant broadcast details of an alleged chemical weapons attack.<ref>https://youtu.be/1NplyTyCjL0</ref>  This 'red line' that [[Russophobic]] hardliners in the West vowed would bring about NATO intervention was largely ignored by Western media and governments.

==See also==

==See also==

==External links==

==External links==

*[https://youtu.be/kkg-gI8Wl0U 2014 Mariupol. Crimes of the Ukrainian regime . The war in Ukraine has been going on for 8 years.] youtube.

*[https://youtu.be/kkg-gI8Wl0U 2014 Mariupol. Crimes of the Ukrainian regime . The war in Ukraine has been going on for 8 years.] YouTube.

*[https://youtu.be/dSKqqw511do EXCLUSIVE! AZOV Battalion Mariupol Headquarters Walkthrough!], John Mark Dougan, May 19, 2022. YouTube.

*[https://youtu.be/dSKqqw511do EXCLUSIVE! AZOV Battalion Mariupol Headquarters Walkthrough!], John Mark Dougan, May 19, 2022. YouTube.

*[https://www.bitchute.com/video/yE8CURzDyBYN/ INTERVIEW WITH AFU COMMANDER VOLYNA TAKEN FROM AZOVSTAL]  

*[https://www.bitchute.com/video/yE8CURzDyBYN/ INTERVIEW WITH AFU COMMANDER VOLYNA TAKEN FROM AZOVSTAL]