President Volodymyr Zelenskyi stressed that Ukraine expects an effective regime of silence in Mariupol to evacuate civilians and the military. He made this statement during his nightly address.
"Today, we carried on with the rescue operation in Mariupol. With the help of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. These people are on the way to safe territory. Over 150 people from Azovstal and over 300 people from Mariupol and suburbs left this week through a humanitarian corridor and are receiving much-needed assistance. Medical, document renewal, financial assistance, communication with relatives, families and loved ones," said Zelenskyy.
President stressed that russian shelling and assaults of Azovstal are ongoing, while there is still a need to evacuate civilians.
"Women, children. Many children are left there. Imagine that hell! There are children! Over two months of relentless shelling, bombing, of death all around...," said Zelenskyy.
"We are waiting for an effective regime of silence. We are doing everything we can to find solutions to rescue our military. Our heroes are holding the defense of Mariupol regardless of the overwhelming numbers of the occupiers. There are different units. They have a lot of wounded. But they are not surrendering. They are holding positions. Neither do we surrender. Every day my team is looking for options to guarantee these people's safety. I am thankful to everyone who is helping. To everyone offering mediation and making an effort to save Ukrainians," added the President.
Iryna Vereshchuk, Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories, said that the evacuation of people from Mariupol was being prepared for May 6.