Shocking aerial pictures reveal Mariupol’s devastated Azovstal steelworks after Russian missile blitz

AERIAL pics of Mariupol’s devastated Azovstal steelworks show its smashed and smoking ruins after a relentless blitz of Russian missiles, bombs and bullets. Nearly 2,500 brave Ukrainian defenders who finally surrendered last week after 82 days are now in Russian hands amid fears for their safety. Nearly 2,500 Ukrainians surrendered after 82 days of defending Mariupol’s Azovstal steelworks, shown in ruins in this aerial picture ReutersDefenders of the legendary Azov Regiment held out in seven miles of bomb-proof tunnels for an incredible 82 days[/caption] Ukrainian defenders of the legendary Azov Regiment held out in seven miles of bomb-proof tunnels under the vast industrial site. But aerial images of the smashed and smoking ruins bore testament to their courage under a blizzard of Russian missiles, bombs and bullets. They left after Red Cross and UN officials brokered a deal to swap them for captured Russians. But Russian officials and state media are now calling for them to face war crime trials and the death penalty branding them “neo-Nazis criminals.” Read More on The Sun DOCTOR’S ORDERS I’m a doctor - here’s 4 signs of burnout you must never ignore OH BOY I’m a gypsy and gave my son a very unusual name, I love dressing him up too Most read in News SICKO MUM Moment killer foster mum mocks crying tot before she shook him to death DODGED A BULLET Putin survived ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT when attacked on trip, claims Ukraine BAD MOVE Passenger filmed in vicious brawl with United Airlines worker is ex-NFL player 'WE'LL MISS YOU' Aussie TV host dies 'suddenly' at 42 as heartbroken colleagues pay tribute POISON PROBE Kids' hospital nurse arrested after death of child 'she poisoned' OFF HIS TROLLEY Ryanair steward arrested and sacked after 'downing booze on flight' The Azov fighter’s defence of the strategic port city has been hailed as a turning point of the war after it bought Ukraine vital time to prepare defences. But it came at a cost of 20,000 Ukrainian lives – and the near total destruction of the once prosperous port city. ReutersBut they are now are now in Russian hands hands amid fears for their safety[/caption]