Azovstal defenders are alive, but the conditions of their detention are unknown. The process of their release continues
Ukrainian defenders of Azovstal steel works in Mariupol who were taken as prisoners by Russian forces are alive. But the conditions of their detention are unknown. Ukrainian military intelligence is working on an exchange, said Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Yermak in an interview with Ukrainian media outlet LB.ua.
Ukrainian defenders of Azovstal steel works in Mariupol who were taken as prisoners by Russian forces are alive. But the conditions of their detention are unknown. Ukrainian military intelligence is working on an exchange, said Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Yermak in an interview with Ukrainian media outlet LB.ua.
"We know they are alive. As for the conditions, we monitor this question. We cannot say exactly in what conditions they are. But we know for sure that they are alive," said Yermak.
The official says that Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is working on the exchange of Ukrainian service members and keeping in contact with some of them. However, the Head of the Presidential Office doesn't specify the time when the defenders are expected to be released: "I very much hope that the exchange process will enter its active phase, and we will begin to return our heroes to Ukraine."
As for details on talks and consultations on the exchange, Yermak says that the work continues: "Every detail matters, the process is very difficult. I would not like to harm this process with my words and information."
What's happening with Azovstal defenders?
Mariupol defenders left the territory of the Azovstal plant in mid-May after several months of confrontation with the Russian forces in the besieged city. The occupiers broke into the plant on May 4.
Thanks to the Azovstal fighters, Ukraine has been given critical time to build up reserves, regroup and receive assistance from partners. Ukraine's top military command ordered the commanders of the units at Azovstal to save the lives of the personnel.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine stated that the rescued Ukrainian service members would be exchanged for Russian prisoners of war. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov said that most of the Mariupol defenders are in the territory of Donetsk Oblast not controlled by Ukraine. In addition to the release of captured defenders, Ukraine is returning the bodies of its service members.