Zelenskyy reveals number of Azovstal fighters in captivity

More than 2,500 Ukrainian servicemen from Azovstal steelworks are in Russian captivity, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy told journalists.

Report informs, citing RBC-Ukraine, that, according to the Ukraine president, the issue of the fighters' release is being dealt with by the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense.

According to Zelenskyy, it is unprofitable for the Russian side to use torture against defenders from Azovstal since they have become "public prisoners."

The president also noted that he does not take seriously the statements from the Russian authorities and representatives of the so-called 'DPR' regarding the future fate of the Ukrainian military.

The evacuation of the Ukrainian military from Azovstal began on May 16.

On May 20, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin on the completion of the operation and full control over Azovstal and Mariupol.