The Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine call on the civilized world not to allow the trial of Ukrainian defenders in Mariupol and to send representatives of international organizations to places of detention of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
"The operation to rescue 2,500 defenders of Mariupol was the only possible option to keep our Heroes alive. There was no alternative of the extraction type, there was a choice: a rescue operation or death at Azovstal, first of all of the seriously wounded. And the stocks of necessary medicines were running out," said a joint statement of the security and defense forces regarding the captured defenders of Mariupol, released on Friday.
The statement stressed that Ukraine managed to save the seriously wounded during the exchange in June: 144 people, of whom 95 were Mariupol defenders, have already been returned and are now receiving the necessary medical care and rehabilitation.
"All state institutions are working to return the heroes of Mariupol and all Ukrainians held captive by the enemy. The Coordinating Staff for the Treatment of Prisoners of War continues to work 24/7 for the release of Ukrainian Defenders and Defenders from captivity, tracing those missing in special circumstances. At the same time, we maintain contact with the families of captive servicemen and fulfill obligations for their social protection," the joint statement said.
At the same time, the statement said, the Russian side does not adhere to commitments, neglects the agreements, does not recognize international norms and rules of warfare, which complicates the exchange of prisoners.
"We call on the entire civilized world not to allow the announced executioner's trial in Mariupol over the Ukrainian Defenders and Protectors. We demand that representatives of the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross be sent immediately to the places where Ukrainian prisoners of war are held, first of all to Olenivka", - is summarized in the joint statement of the security and defense forces of Ukraine.
