Evacuation Mission from Azovstal Continues under Occupiers’ Fire

In Mariupol, Donetsk region, the Russian enemy continues to focus its efforts on blocking Ukrainian units in the area of Azovstal steelworks, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports.

As noted, the occupiers are continuing to launch artillery and airstrikes on the steelworks. However, according to both sides, the evacuation of the Ukrainian military from Azovstal has been going on in the city for two days now, and a ceasefire regime has been declared.

As a reminder, almost 300 Ukrainian soldiers were evacuated from Azovstal on 16 May. Fifty-two seriously wounded soldiers were taken to a healthcare facility in Novoazovsk for medical treatment. Another 211 people arrived in Olenivka through a humanitarian corridor. Both settlements are under the temporary occupation of Russia, in the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic.” An exchange procedure is planned for their further return home. Rescue measures are being taken to evacuate defenders who are still staying in the steelworks’ territory.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that “the evacuation mission is underway.” “It is run by our military and intelligence. The most influential international mediators have been involved,” Zelensky said.

Natalia Tolub