Mariupol has always been and will always be a Ukrainian city, and I am proud that the Azovstal plant has become a stronghold of resistance, businessman Rinat Akhmetov said in an interview with Le Temps newspaper.

"Mariupol was, is and will be Ukrainian. Our defenders are heroically fighting for every meter of Ukrainian land. I am proud that the stronghold of resistance is located at the Azovstal plant. I believe that our military will defend the city, and civilians will be evacuated," the businessman said.

Akhmetov called what is happening in Mariupol the deepest tragedy for which Russia must be held accountable.

"I believe that the Russian military will be punished for all the crimes committed in Ukraine and Mariupol. Mariupol is the deepest tragedy and catastrophe that cannot be forgiven," the owner of Azovstal said.