Ukraine‘s military said on Tuesday it aimed to evacuate its remaining soldiers from their last stronghold in Mariupol, as fighters that have held out for 82 days began to surrender, heralding the end of Europe’s bloodiest battle in decades.
Reuters saw buses leave the huge Azovstal steelworks overnight and five of them arrive in the Russian-held town of Novoazovsk.
In one, marked with the Latin letter ‘Z’ that has become the symbol of Russia’s assault, wounded men were lying on stretchers three bunks high.
One man was wheeled out, his head tightly wrapped in thick bandages. Video released by the Russian ministry of defence showed fighters leaving the plant, some being carried on stretchers, others with their hands up to be searched by Russian troops. Read more: Ukraine to evacuate remaining troops from Mariupol, ceding control of besieged city Russia said 256 Ukrainian fighters had “laid down their arms and surrendered,” including 51 severely wounded.