Ukraine needs heroes alive: Zelensky on rescue from Azovstal

Thanks to the military and the ICRC and UN negotiating team, Ukraine is trying to save the military from Azovstal

President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke about this process in a video address.

The President noted that 221 servicemen were taken to the occupied territory for further exchange, and 53 seriously wounded were taken to a hospital on the territory of the ORDO.

"It is a difficult day. But this day, like all others, is aimed at protecting our country and our people. Thanks to the actions of the Ukrainian military, the Armed Forces, intelligence, as well as the negotiating team, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the UN, we hope will be able to save the lives of our guys.

I want to emphasize that Ukraine needs Ukrainian heroes alive. This is our principle. I think that every adequate person will understand these words," Zelensky stressed.

The President added that the operation to rescue the defenders of Mariupol was launched by the Ukrainian military and intelligence services.

"To bring the boys home, the work continues, and this work needs delicacy. And time," he said.

Zelensky added that Ukraine maintained maximum diplomatic activity in other areas in the interests of the country.

As Rubryka reported, on May 16, buses with Ukrainian servicemen left the territory of the Azovstal plant in Mariupol.

Earlier, the Azov Regiment stated that the defenders of Mariupol obeyed the order, delayed the overwhelming forces of the enemy for 82 days, and allowed the Ukrainian army to regroup.

It is noted that no weapon will work without professionally trained servicemen, which makes them the most valuable element of the army.

"To save lives, the entire Mariupol garrison is implementing the approved decision of the Supreme Military Command and hopes for the support of the Ukrainian people," the Azov Regiment said.

On May 16, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that an agreement had been reached on the removal of wounded Ukrainian servicemen from the blocked Azovstal plant in Mariupol to the occupied territory.