The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has information about the Ukrainian military from Azovstali, but at present it is classified taking into account the characteristics of the negotiation process. This statement was made by the Deputy Minister of Defense Anna Malel.
“Of course, we have all the information, but now it is secret. This is connected not only with the negotiation process itself, but also with the safety of these people. This is personal data, this is understandable, and therefore this information is, but it is not public, ”the Ukrainian truth quoted the deputy minister of defense.
The publication recalls that Mariupol was blocked by Russian troops on March 1. Since the end of April, the defenders of Mariupol have been blocked at the Azovstal plant: these are representatives of the Azov National Guard regiment, marine infantrymen, border guards, and police officers. Peaceful residents were evacuated with Azovstali in early May, and on May 16, the Russians said that they had agreed with the Ukrainian military on the export of wounded fighters to the territory occupied by Russia. On May 20, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation stated that all the fighters from Azovstal were withdrawn and that these are 2,439 people whom the Russians consider prisoners of war.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that Mariupol defenders should be released by exchange and returned home.