Russia reports the surrender of Ukrainian soldiers in Mariupol

Russia has announced that Ukrainian troops in the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol have surrendered, with several soldiers being evacuated in buses to nearby Russian-held towns. Fighters who needed medical aid were sent to a hospital in Novoazovsk.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk noted that they intend to arrange a prisoner swap with Russia as soon as the wounded soldiers’ conditions have stabilized.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated, “Ukraine needs Ukrainian heroes to be alive. It’s our principle… The work continues to bring the guys home and it requires delicacy and time.”
On May 17th, Russia’s foreign ministry announced that 265 “militants” who had been in the Azovstal steel plant had laid down their weapons and surrendered over the last 24 hours.
However, Ukraine has released a different set of numbers, with the discrepancy as of yet explained. Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said 264 fighters, including 53 who are “heavily wounded,” had been evacuated from the plant.