Besieged Ukraine soldiers in Mariupol launch last gasp assault to prevent Russia capturing crucial port city

UKRAINE troops in besieged Mariupol yesterday launched a last ditch effort to prevent the port finally caving to Russia’s onslaught.

Battle-hardened fighters had been trapped in two pockets with their backs to the Sea of Azov — and Russian troops between them.

But crack marines in one pocket punched through the enemy lines to link up with their comrades from the diehard Azov Regiment, an aide to President Zelensky said last night.

Adviser Oleksiy Arestovych said the 36th Marines launched a “complex and very risky manoeuvre to connect with the Azov Regiment”.

The mission saved the marines from defeat and reinforced the Azov battalion.

Mr Arestovych said: “They gained a second chance.”

Marines commander Major Sergei Volyna last night posted a video with Azov chief Denis Prokopenko vowing to fight together “to the end”.

But it could be too little, too late as Russia claimed 1,000 marines had surrendered to its forces yesterday.

Brave Brit fighter Aiden Aslin, 28, is thought to be among them.

The former care worker told his family: “We tried our best to defend Mariupol but we have no choice but to surrender.

“We have no food and no ammunition.

“It’s been a pleasure, I hope this war ends soon.”

Mariupol mayor Vadym Boychenko claimed up to 22,000 people had died in the seven-week slaughter.

He said bodies “carpeted the streets”.