Peskov: Civilians in the besieged Azovstal plant can leave

Moscow (ST): Russia has confirmed that civilians in the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol can leave, while the military must lay down weapons and surrender.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted by TASS news agency as saying, commenting on the recent statements of Ukrainian President  Zelensky after his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Kiev about negotiating who will remain at the Azovstal plant: “We do not see a topic for discussion regarding invitations to negotiate in this regard.  Russian President Vladimir Putin has clearly said in advance that civilians can leave freely in any direction they want and that the military should lay down their arms and leave as well, and in this case, their lives will be preserved and medical assistance will be provided to all the wounded and sick. What else can be negotiated?

K.Q.