Russia starts major attack on Azovstal steelworks

Russian forces have launched an all-out assault on the Azovstal steelworks, the last Ukrainian holdout in the city of Mariupol, reported British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), quoting Ukrainian officials.

Ukrainian forces inside the plant have been fighting "difficult bloody battles" for a second day, the commander of the Azov regiment said.

Russian forces are reported to have entered "the territory of the plant" after days of sustained attacks, said the BBC report.

About 200 civilians are believed to be sheltering inside, including children.

The BBC has not been able to verify the reports of the Russian attack on the steel plant.

In a brief video message posted on Telegram, Azov commander Denis Prokopenko said: "I am proud of my soldiers who are making superhuman efforts to contain the pressure of the enemy... the situation is extremely difficult."

Click BBC to read the detail report.