Chechen fighters armed with machine guns and rocket launchers stalk Mariupol

Chechen soldiers prowl the bombarded streets of Mariupol – engaging in fierce firefights as they attempt to take the city under siege.

The feared troops, armed with machine guns and rocket launchers, have been used as a public relations tool in Vladimir Putin’s war, and photos of them around the city suggest the dictator thinks he is about to to take it.

Propaganda channels have already broadcast photos and videos of the notorious fighters in the conquered territories to boost Russian morale.

Some Chechen soldiers fight alongside the Russian army, which fought two wars against Chechnya – a Muslim republic in southern Russia – between 1994 and 2000.

Among the Chechen fighters pictured in Mariupol was regimental commander Zamid Chalaev (above, Thursday), accused of human rights abuses

Some Chechen soldiers fight alongside the Russian army, which fought two wars against Chechnya – a Muslim republic in southern Russia – between 1994 and 2000

Among the Chechen fighters pictured in Mariupol was regimental commander Zamid Chalaev, accused of human rights abuses.

Thanks to fierce Ukrainian resistance, Mariupol held out for more than a month despite brutal Russian shelling, which could have killed up to 20,000 civilians, according to a Ukrainian official.

But Russia finally entered the city center this week and some observers believe its downfall is imminent.

It comes as invading forces were accused of looting 14 tonnes of humanitarian aid destined for the southern port – and a 45-bus convoy carrying medical supplies was reportedly prevented from entering on Thursday evening.

The soldiers stopped 12 buses in Berdiansk, west of Mariupol, where they allegedly stole the equipment. The buses were to enter Mariupol and pick up civilians.

Petro Andryushchenko, adviser to the mayor of Mariupol, said yesterday: “The city remains closed to entry and very unsafe to exit by private transport.

“Since Thursday, Russian forces have categorically not allowed any humanitarian aid, even small amounts, into the city.

Thanks to fierce Ukrainian resistance, Mariupol held out for more than a month despite brutal Russian shelling, which could have killed up to 20,000 civilians, according to a Ukrainian official. (Above, Chechen soldiers in the city on March 31)

“The reasons for these actions are still unclear, but it is disappointing. We do not see a real desire on the part of the Russians to allow residents of Mariupol to evacuate to other territories controlled by Ukraine.

The Red Cross also had a team of three buses heading to Mariupol yesterday, but it was unclear whether they had arrived last night.

“The situation is appalling and deteriorating, and it is a humanitarian imperative that people be allowed to leave and aid supplies allowed,” a spokesperson said.

Up to 170,000 civilians are still trapped in Mariupol, and refugees have told stories of bodies lining the streets.

The city council said yesterday it needed $10bn (£7.6bn) to restore local infrastructure and demanded Russia pay ‘for all their suffering’.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia is consolidating and preparing for “powerful strikes” in eastern and southern Ukraine, including Mariupol.