U.S. intelligence has declassified a finding on Russia's continuing abuse of occupied civilians — this time in Mariupol, reports the Associated Press.
Intelligence has learned that "some Russian officials" have become worried that Russian forces are indulging in "grievous abuses" of Mariupol's residents, including "beating and electrocuting city officials and robbing homes." The grievousness likely goes further, if the dead and tortured bodies found on the streets of Bucha (right) are any indication. And there is no reason to believe they aren't.
Intelligence added that these Russian officials are also worried that the abuses taking place in Mariupol "will backfire," encouraging its citizens to forcefully resist Russia's occupation. This is more than likely; the citizens of Kherson have already staged protests, which turned violent, in front of Russian administrative buildings.
In addition — and this is almost laughable — Russian officials fear that the severe abuses and wanton violations of human rights might undermine Russia's public contention that their armed forces are liberating Mariupol.
The intelligence findings do not bode well for the hundreds of Ukrainian fighters who have surrendered themselves to the Russians at the Azovstal steel plant.