More than 1,000 women, children and over 500 wounded remain within Azovstal plant – Vereshchuk
The relevant statement was made by the Government portal, referring to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister, Temporary Occupied Territories Reintegration Minister Iryna Vereshchuk, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“Our military are not planning to surrender. But, there are civilians – more than 1,000 women, children and over 500 wounded, including those who are seriously wounded! They have the right to get out! We have communicated this information to Russia. They know how many civilians are staying there,” Vereshchuk told.
In her words, now it is impossible to get there and, moreover, to create a humanitarian corridor, as Russian troops are bombarding and launching missile strikes on the area, firing on approaches.
“I want the entire international community to be aware of and take what is happening now within the Azovstal plant exactly like that. They [Russian invaders – Ed.] do not want to hold any talks. This is a war crime that will be punished,” Vereshchuk stressed.
A reminder that the Russian armed aggression has caused one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes in the city of Mariupol.
On April 24, 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan the need for immediate evacuation of civilians from Mariupol, including Azovstal, and immediate exchange of blocked troops.
mk
