DONETSK. Sept 4 (Interfax) - Fighting started at the approaches toward the eastern part of Mariupol on Thursday, witnesses say.
"Explosions and large-caliber gun bursts are heard clearly. Being in the eastern neighborhood, it could be assumed that the fighting is under way in the Novoazovsk area," a witness told Interfax.
The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Defense Ministry said a group of Ukrainian military servicemen is trying to break out of the city. "Fighting is currently under way near the community of Bezimenne. Some of the Ukrainian security servicemen are trying to break out of the encirclement around Mariupol. The exact number and composition of the forces assaulting the militia positions has yet to be clarified," the DPR headquarters said.
Interfax could not immediately obtain information on the matter from the official Ukrainian authorities.
The militia headquarters had reported on Wednesday that "the militia forces have established control over the main roads leading to the city, cutting Ukrainian security forces off from main supply routes."
"Mariupol is currently within operative encirclement. We've managed to accomplish this task. The city's assault is not under consideration so far, as there are some other tasks that need to be completed. Everything should be consistent," a DPR Defense Ministry source told Interfax.
It was reported earlier that the Ukrainian government forces in Mariupol were actively preparing a defense. Preliminary reports indicated that units of territorial defense battalions, National Guard, and Interior Forces were in the city.