Deep inside Mariupol’s last stronghold, Ukrainians send messages of patriotism and resolve

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• Geoff Bennett:

  Russia is slowly consolidating its forces around Ukraine's eastern Donbas Region. Meantime, 1000s of Ukrainians remain trapped in a steel factory in the beleaguered city of Mariupol. And as Correspondent Ali Rogin reports their loved ones are sending urgent pleas for their rescues.

• Ali Rogin:

  Deep inside the Azovstal Steel Plant, a message of patriotism and resolve.

  Unidentified Male, State Border Guard of Ukraine (through translator): We want to assure you, the truth is on our side, Victory will be ours. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to heroes.

• Ali Rogin:

  But for the 1000s of soldiers and civilians sheltering within, conditions are dire. Images said to be from inside show injured soldiers receiving what little care is available. They say they only eat once a day.

• Unidentified Male, Azov Regiment (through translator):

  Unfortunately, all resources are running low. We have been in the blockade to law encircled, we're depleting our own supplies.

• Ali Rogin:

  Outside airstrikes pummel the plant, as Russia seeks to gain full control of Mariupol. The wives of two of the trap fighters made an urgent appeal.

  Yulia Fedusiuk, Wife of Azov Regiment Fighter: We want to ask for help from the people of USA, of Europe, from international organizations and diplomatic to try to solve this problem in a diplomatic way.

• Ali Rogin:

  U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres tried to negotiate an evacuation after visiting Russia and Ukraine this week, but so far, no change.

  Meanwhile, across the east, small towns are preparing for a renewed Russian offensive.

  Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman (through translator): Russian troops are gradually increasing the intensity of their offensive in eastern Ukraine simultaneously along all directions.

• Ali Rogin:

  The U.S. says Russia is trying to surround Ukrainian forces in the Donbass Region advancing north from Mariupol and south from Izyum. But officials say the Russian advance is going slower than expected. They're also meeting fierce resistance. On Saturday, Ukraine released a video purportedly showing strikes against a Russian convoy driving through Izyum. Two hours north in the city of Kharkiv, soldiers are fighting off Russians and their own fatigue.

• Nom De Guerre Malysh, Reservist (through translator):

  I'm doing everything I can. I joined the territorial defense unit. I took up arms but unfortunately, I can't catch flying missiles with my bare hands and throw them back. That feeling that I can't do anything about it makes me feel sad.

• Ali Rogin:

  But those feelings don't stop them from reloading and regrouping to fight another day. For "PBS News Weekend," I'm Ali Rogin.