Ukraine proposes talks to Russia in Mariupol... "Discussing civilian evacuation and prisoner exchange"

"Proposal for Talks Next to Azovstal"
Russia Silent on Negotiation Demands...Continues Attacks

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Ukraine has proposed holding talks with Russia for the evacuation of civilians and prisoner exchanges in Mariupol. Russia, after officially declaring the occupation of Mariupol, has reportedly halted ground attacks on the Azovstal steel plant, the last stronghold of the Ukrainian forces, but continues airstrikes and bombings.

According to AFP on the 24th (local time), Oleksiy Arestovych, an advisor to the Ukrainian presidential office, stated in a video speech released that day, "We proposed to the Russian side to hold special talks right next to Azovstal," adding, "The goal is to secure a humanitarian corridor for civilian evacuation and to release or exchange Ukrainian soldiers isolated inside Azovstal."

However, Russian forces are reportedly continuing airstrikes and bombardments around the Azovstal area. According to the Ukrainian news agency UNIAN, Russian forces have resumed airstrikes on Azovstal and bombed Odesa, Ukraine's largest port city, resulting in 8 civilian deaths and 18 injuries.

Earlier, on the 21st, Russian President Vladimir Putin officially declared the occupation of Mariupol and ordered a halt to attacks on the Azovstal steel plant, instructing to "block so that not even a single rat passes through." Accordingly, Russian ground forces have stopped their attacks, but airstrikes and bombings are reported to be ongoing.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.