Pictures from inside the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

Many soldiers working in steel mills were isolated from the outside world for two months. Many of them were injured.

Azovstal is one of the largest industries in Europe and occupies eleven square kilometers on the Azov Sea, on the outskirts of Mariupol.

A soldier is under care for shrapnel wounds. There was little medical equipment left in the tunnels. There is also a shortage of food and water and they are expected to run out soon.

Hundreds of civilians were evacuated from Azovstal. Many of the remaining soldiers were wounded and were not in combat.

Tens of thousands are believed to have died during the Russian siege of Mariupol, a port city in eastern Ukraine that once had a population of 450,000. In the background is the Azovstal steel plant.

Testimonies of life in the tunnels leak from evacuees. The shelling happens almost around the clock and when you eat you have to pick up the ice cream pieces from the food.

Many workers in steel mills lived in semi-darkness for several weeks. Climbing above the ground is life threatening.

The wounded are treated in the semi-darkness and without access to more than the most basic medical equipment.

Mariupol is completely controlled by Russia – with the exception of Azovstal. Large steel mills became a symbol of Ukraine’s resistance to the invading army.

Few military doctors remained among the defenders of Azovstal. Here they have had to have several amputations in recent weeks.