During the war, Mariupol and its defenders became a symbol of rebelliousness: the fighters of “Azov” and the marines heroically hold the line.
The commander of the Azov regiment, Denis Prokopenko, says that the Azov troops “did everything possible and impossible to pull the superior enemy forces on themselves.”
He expressed this opinion in an interview with Ukrayinska Pravda.
According to him, the military understood that sooner or later they would have to conduct all-round defense in the city.
“We absolutely consciously went into this cauldron. I believe that we made a significant contribution to turning the situation around as a whole in Ukraine and pulled back a large grouping of enemy forces in order to ease pressure in other directions. This allowed Ukraine to receive weapons from Western partners, regroup and act more efficient,” he said.
Denis Prokopenko says that the fighters hoped for a de-blockade. However, it hasn’t happened yet.
“Now we must help ourselves to win this battle. The authorities are trying to resolve the issue through diplomacy and negotiations. But now – let it sound rude – we are devoted to ourselves,” the Azov commander added.
Recall that the first stage of the evacuation mission from Azovstal has been completed. Managed to save more than 300 people : women, children. Currently, the second stage of the evacuation mission from Azovstal is being prepared: the withdrawal of the wounded and doctors, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
