Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the procedure for evacuating Ukrainian defenders from Azovstal began on May 16. He said this in his evening video message..
“Tough day. But this day, like all the others, is aimed at protecting our country and our people..
Thanks to the actions of the Ukrainian military - the Armed Forces of Ukraine, intelligence, as well as the negotiating group, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN, we hope that we will be able to save the lives of our guys. I want to emphasize: Ukraine needs Ukrainian heroes alive. This is our principle. I think that every adequate person will understand these words,"
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Recall, on May 16, 53 seriously wounded were evacuated from Azovstal to a medical facility in Novoazovsk for medical assistance.. Another 211 people were taken to Olenevka through the humanitarian corridor.