During a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered to cancel the attack on the Azovstal industrial zone in Mariupol. Shoigu said that Russia had captured Mariupol, according to Reuters, citing Interfax.
The President explained this decision by considerations of saving the lives of the Russian military.
“This is the case when we have to think – I mean, we always have to think, but in this case even more – about saving the lives and health of our soldiers and officers. We do not need to enter these catacombs and crawl underground over these industrial facilities, “the head of state said.
“Block this industrial zone so that no flies fly out,” TARS quoted him as saying.
Russia guarantees the life and dignified treatment of Ukrainian servicemen leaving Azovstal, Putin said.