"Azovstal evacuation negotiations are difficult, results may not satisfy everyone, the goal is to get Ukrainian defenders out alive" - Vereshchuk

Vereshchuk wrote about this in her Telegram channel.

"President ordered us to do everything possible and impossible to get our people out. Our team is working. Negotiations with Russia are very difficult. The result may not satisfy everyone. But our task is to get our guys out. Everyone. Alive. With God's help we'll save everyone," wrote Vereshchuk.

The Minister also called "not to exaggerate the influence of world leaders" and called the besieged plant "the heart of the country."

"Azovstal is the heart of Ukraine. Together with the Azov fighter, there are our Armed Forces, National Guards, border guards, Security Service fighters, police and territorial defense. I share the worries of the defenders' families for them. War is blood and tears. There are no miracles in war, but harsh realities. That's why only a sober and pragmatic approach works. We shouldn't exaggerate the influence of world leaders. Because if this influence was enough, there would be no war," Vereshchuk added.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that negotiations on the evacuation of people from Azovstal are underway and stressed that the decision depends on Russia.