Ukraine hopes that thanks to the actions of the military - the Armed Forces of Ukraine, intelligence, the negotiating team, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the UN there is hope that it will be possible to save the lives of "Azovstal" defenders.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, spoke about this in his video address.
"I want to emphasize that Ukraine needs all its heroes alive. This is our principle. I think that every sensible person will understand these words," - said the President of Ukraine.
He added that the mission to rescue Mariupol defenders has started and is being conducted by our military and intelligence. This work requires sensitive handling and time.
Zelenskyy said that on 16 May 2022, he talked with the IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva about accelerating the financial support to Ukraine, given the state budget deficit during the war. That's about $ 5bn a month.
Ukrainian authorities also held consultations with a Polish delegation on cooperation at the EU level in Kyiv. In particular, they discussed the acceleration of Ukraine's integration into the EU and the expected decision on candidate status for Ukraine.
Ukrainian diplomacy is also working on getting the European Union to agree on the sixth package of sanctions against russia. Zelenskyy is sure the oil embargo should be part of it, which is in the interests of our state and the whole of Europe.
The President of Ukraine addressed the US student community and spoke with rectors and presidents of leading educational institutions. The critical issue is American universities' involvement in restoring Ukraine's education system after the war. In addition, they discussed political issues, including the protection of democracy and countering russian propaganda and fakes.
Zelenskyy noted that the UAF (Armed Forces of Ukraine) are fighting back constant attacks in those areas where russia is still trying to advance. Sievierodonetsk and other cities in Donbas remain the primary targets for the occupiers.
The President also signed decrees on awarding our heroes - 201 UAF militaries received state awards. The title of Hero of Ukraine was awarded to senior lieutenant Ahasyiev Kyryl Yashar ogly, platoon commander of the 92nd separate mechanized brigade. Lieutenant Colonel Yerko Viacheslav, Commander of the Aviation Squadron of the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade, was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.
MID (Main Intelligence Directorate) of the Ministry of Defense, the UAF, the National Guard, and the Border Guard Service initiated a rescue mission to save defenders of the "Azovstal" plant. As a result, 53 seriously wounded Ukrainian worriers were evacuated to a medical institution in Novoazovsk to receive medical care, and 211 more were taken to Olenivka through a humanitarian corridor. An exchange procedure will be held to bring them home.