The Supreme Military Command ordered the commanders of the units stationed at Azovstal to save the lives of the personnel.
The operation to rescue the defenders of Ukraine blocked on the territory of the plant is underway.
The evacuation of 53 severely wounded servicemen has begun. They were taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk. Another 211 defenders were evacuated to Olenivka through a humanitarian corridor and then returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory through an exchange procedure.
Measures to rescue defenders who remain on the territory of Azovstal continue.
Defenders of Mariupol are the heroes of our time. They are forever in history. This is a separate special unit "Azov", the 12th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, the 36th Separate Brigade of Marines, border guards, police, volunteers, the Terrible Defense of Mariupol.
Holding positions on Azovstal, they did not allow the enemy to transfer groups of up to 17 battalion tactical groups (about 20,000 personnel) to other areas. This prevented the implementation of the plan for the rapid capture of Zaporizhia, access to the administrative border of Donetsk and Zaporizhia regions and create conditions for the environment of the environmental group.
Binding the main forces of the enemy around Mariupol gave us the opportunity to prepare and create defensive lines, where our troops are today and give a decent rebuff to the aggressor. We received critical time to form reserves, regroup forces, and receive assistance from partners.
The most important common task of all Ukraine and the whole world is to save the lives of the defenders of Mariupol.
We will fight for you on all fronts as faithfully as you defend the state!
