(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 20 - The Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol is totally under the control of the Russian armed forces.
This was stated by the Moscow Ministry of Defense, quoted by Tass, also releasing a video of the surrender.
Russian Defense Minister Seghei Shoigu communicated to President Vladimir Putin "the end of the operation and the complete liberation of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol from Ukrainian militants".
"The last group of 531 Azovstal militants surrendered today," Russian defense spokesman IgorKonashenkov said.
A total of 2,439 fighters have surrendered, according to Mosca.
Konashenkov added that Azov battalion commander Denis Prokopenko was taken away from the steel mill "in a special armored vehicle" to Russian-controlled territories "because the residents fooled and wanted to kill him for the numerous atrocities" committed.
(HANDLE).
