Russia declare at least 265 militia Ukraine surrendered in the Azovstal steel factory area, Mariupol on Tuesday (17/5). Of that number, dozens were injured.
“In the last 24 hours, 265 militia laid down their weapons and surrendered, including 51 people who were seriously injured,” the Russian Defense Ministry said, citing AFP, Wednesday (18/5).
Those who were seriously injured were immediately taken to a hospital in the city of Novoazovsk for intensive care.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has guaranteed those detained will be treated according to applicable international law. This was conveyed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Russia’s Investigative Committee said those detained in Azovstal would be questioned.
Meanwhile, Russian lawmaker Vyacheslav Volodin said Ukrainian soldiers captured in Azovstal should not be released. Nor should it be used as a prisoner exchange with Ukraine.
It is known, the Ukrainian Azov Battalion trapped in the Azovstal steel factory has been referred to as a Nazi by Russia.
Therefore, Volodin did not want them to be exchanged for Russian prisoners.
“Regarding the Nazis, our position must remain unchanged: they are war criminals and we must do everything to bring them to justice,” Volodin said.
Since last month, Ukrainian militias have been hiding in underground tunnels under the Russian-blocked Azovstal industrial zone.
They decided to hide there since Russia sent a lot of troops to the Mariupol area.
(AFP/bmw)
–
