264 Azovstal fighters evacuated to occupied Novoazovsk, Olenivka must be returned 

The Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar shared the details on evacuation in the all-Ukrainian telethon.

"Jointly, the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Defense Ministry, the National Guard and the Border Guard Service launched an operation to rescue Mariupol defenders blocked on the Azovstal plant. On May 16, 53 seriously injured fighters were evacuated from Azovstal to a medical facility in Novoazovsk for medical treatment. Another 211 fighters were taken to Olenivka through a humanitarian corridor. A prisoner exchange procedure will be carried out to return them home. Rescue measures are being taken for the defenders who still remain on the territory of Azovstal," said Hanna Malyar.

The General Staff of Ukrainian Armed Forces also reported on the operation to evacuate the heroes of Mariupol's defense:

"The Supreme Military Command has ordered the commanders of the units stationed at Azovstal to save the lives of the personnel. An operation is underway to rescue the Ukrainian defenders blocked on the plant."

"These are the Azov Regiment separate special unit, the 12th National Guard of Ukraine brigade, the 36th Marines separate brigade, border guards, police, volunteers, the Mariupol territorial defense. Holding positions on Azovstal, they didn't let Russian forces transfer 17 of their battalion tactical groups (about 20,000 personnel) to other areas. This prevented the implementation of the Russian plan for the rapid capture of Zaporizhzhya, access to the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhya region administrative border and creation of conditions for the encirclement of the Joint Forces Operation."

"Binding the main Russian forces around Mariupol gave us the opportunity to prepare and create defensive lines, where our troops are today and give a decent rebuff to the Russian aggressor. We have received critical time to form reserves, regroup forces, and receive assistance from partners.

The most important common task of Ukraine and the whole world is to save the lives of the Mariupol defenders.

We will fight for you on all fronts as faithfully as you defend our state!," the General Staff's statement said.

The Ukrainian President also announced the rescue of Azovstal's defenders in his evening address:

"Thanks to the actions of the Ukrainian military - Ukrainian Armed Forces, intelligence, the negotiating team, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations - we hope to save the lives of our guys. Among them are the seriously wounded, they are being assisted. I want to emphasize that Ukraine needs Ukrainian heroes alive. This is our principle. I think that every adequate person will understand these words. The operation to rescue the Mariupol defenders was launched by our military and intelligence. The work continues to bring our guys home, and this work needs delicacy. And time. We maintain maximum diplomatic activity in other areas in the interests of Ukraine," the president said.