More than 260 soldiers evacuated Azovstal steelworks, Mariupol’s last stronghold, as Ukraine cede the strategically important city to the Russian forces.
Why?
Ceding Mariupol would be a massive blow for Ukraine in the 82-day war against Russia. The steel plant was a symbol of resistance for Kyiv, with hundreds of soldiers defending the last of the city’s territory from the Kremlin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the country prioritizes the lives of its soldiers. In a video statement on Monday, Zelensky addressed, “I want to underline: Ukraine needs its Ukrainian heroes alive. This is our principle.”
A potential exchange
The injured soldiers were taken to medical facilities in the Russian-controlled town of Novoazovsk. Around 211 soldiers were evacuated to Olenivka - another Russian-controlled town.
Russia earlier informed that a deal had been made to evacuate the soldiers. The evacuated troops would be exchanged for captured Russian soldiers.
What happens now?
Ukraine would suffer a significant defeat if it loses Mariupol to Russia—handing over the war-torn city would likely end the war.
