Ukraine Cedes Mariupol to Russia as Azov Nazis Surrender
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed on its social media networks Tuesday evening that its people holed up at the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol have been ordered to surrender.
Echoing the euphemistic language used by Western media outlets, the Ukrainian military statement explained:
“The garrison ‘Mariupol’ has completed the assigned combat mission. The highest military command issued an order to the commanders of the units located at Azovstal to save the lives of the personnel.”
A social media post was released by Azov Regiment commander Denis Prokopenko stating: “In order to save lives, the entire Mariupol garrison is implementing the approved decision of the Supreme Military Command and hopes for the support of the Ukrainian people.”
Exclusive footage of the surrender of the militants of the Azov national unit (banned in Russia) and the Ukrainian military, blocked at Azovstal in Mariupol. Everyone's things are carefully examined and only then they are put on buses. https://t.co/sdNzw2tA60 pic.twitter.com/YbKWT155nu
— Victorvicktop55 (@vic_top55) May 17, 2022
The first stage of surrender was completed on Monday when 264 wounded neo-Nazis exited Azovstal. There are now 53 wounded Ukros in a hospital in Novoazovsk and 211 Ukros in Yelenovka, both of which are part of the Donetsk People’s Republic.
Russian sources have estimated that about 2,200 people have been trapped in the basements of the huge Azovstal complex.
According to the deputy minister of defense of Ukraine, Anna Malyar, and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, those who surrender will be exchanged for Russian prisoners of war taken captive by Kiev. The terms of the exchange, however, have not yet been decided.
After the last neo-Nazi leaves Azovstal, the battle for Mariupol will be effectively over, and Russia will have gained total control of the strategically vital city.
Photo above: Surrendered Nazis being transported by bus to prison in Russia-controlled territory
"Do not make heroes out of deserters and fighters who voluntarily surrendered, they chose the path of shame and in no way should these people be glorified" – Azov commander Denis Prokopenko, around a month ago
(when the 36th Marines at the other factory in Mariupol surrendered) pic.twitter.com/VzzNv5VF5L
— Russians With Attitude (@RWApodcast) May 17, 2022
Video above: “Do not make heroes out of deserters and fighters who voluntarily surrendered. They chose the path of shame and in no way should these people be glorified” – Azov commander Denis Prokopenko, around a month ago