Mariupol garrison's heroism pushed Russian forces out of Kyiv - Ukrainian Defense Minister

The official made the comment to journalists in Kyiv.

"Mariupol defenders' heroism pushed Russian forces out of Kyiv. They carried out their order to restrain the group of 20,000 Russian soldiers and not to let them to Zaporizhzhya and further to Donetsk region. They are heroes and now we have the new order to save their lives," said Reznikov.

There were many soldiers from different units at Azovstal whose life must be saved.

"Our main goal is to save the Mariupol defenders' lives. These are marines, Territorial Defense forces, police, border guards, national guards and Azov Regiment separate unit fighters. Today, very complex processes are taking place, including negotiations, with the Red Cross help. This is the evacuation of the seriously wounded and other injured. Our plan is to save their lives and then their freedom," Oleksiy Reznikov said.

When asked how many Ukrainian soldiers remained at Azovstal, the Defense Minister didn't answer.