Ukraine's military leadership issues orders to save Azovstal fighters' lives, stop defending Mariupol

He made a statement in a video which the Azov Regiment published in their Telegram channel.

"Senior military leadership gave the order to preserve the life and health of the military garrison. And cease defense of the city," said Prokopenko.

Despite the heavy fighting, civilians, dead and wounded fighters were evacuated from Azovstal.

"We managed to evacuate civilians. Severely injured received the necessary assistance and they were evacuated. Further they should be exchanged and delivered to the Ukrainian-controlled territory. The process of delivering deceased heroes home is ongoing. I hope that soon the families and the whole Ukraine will be able to honor and bury the soldiers," he concluded.