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The Ukrainian military on Tuesday continued efforts to evacuate remaining fighters at the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, where three months of Russian bombing have turned the port city into rubble.
Ukrainian officials said more than 260 fighters were evacuated on Monday.
Fifty-three severely wounded fighters were taken to a hospital in Novoazovsk, east of Mariupol, said Deputy Defense Minister Anna Malyar. Novoazovsk is under the control of Russian troops and Russian-backed separatists.
Another 211 fighters were sent to the town of Olenivka, an area also controlled by Russian-backed separatists, Ms. Malyar said, adding that the evacuees could be exchanged for Russian prisoners.
Taking full control of Mariupol by Russian forces would mark an important milestone, as it would constitute Russia’s greatest victory in the war to date and could make it possible to send its forces to Mariupol, in areas of other fighting in Donbas, the industrial center of eastern Ukraine, which is now the focus of Moscow.
During a speech overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the evacuation of soldiers from Mariupol.
“I want to emphasize that Ukraine needs Ukrainian heroes alive. This is our principle, “said Zelenskyy. “I think every reasonable person will understand these words. The operation to rescue Mariupol’s defenders was launched by our military and intelligence officers. The work continues to bring the boys home and this mission requires care and time. ”
Deputy Minister Malyar said efforts were being made to rescue the remaining fighters inside the factory which was the last stronghold of the resistance in the devastated port city of Mariupol.
“They fulfilled all their duties. “But it is impossible to unlock Azovstal by military means,” she said./VOA
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