The "Azov" regiment commander, lieutenant colonel Denys Prokopenko recorded an address concerning the situation at the "Azovstal" plant in Mariupol. The video was published on social media.
"The Mariupol garrison has been fighting against overwhelming enemy forces for 70 days alone. Since 25 April we have been holding the line at the "Azovstal" plant. It's the second day since the enemy has broken through to the plant's territory. Heavy, bloody fighting is going on. I'm proud of my soldiers who are putting superhuman efforts to hold back the enemy. I thank the whole world for its enormous support of the Mariupol garrison. Our soldiers deserve that," – Prokopenko said.
He emphasized that the situation is extremely difficult but despite everything the defenders of Mariupol continue carrying out the order to hold the line.
After the evacuation of some of the civilians from the "Azovstal", russian occupiers on 2 May shelled the plant's territory where civilians and Ukrainian defenders are hiding.