The commanders of two Ukrainian units defending the besieged port city of Mariupol made a video statement saying they could have joined forces as Russia claimed advances in the city.
Her statement comes as Ukrainian forces remain blocked inside Mariupol, which has been bombed relentlessly for weeks. The Russian military has repeatedly claimed to have taken strategic positions in the city, but has also faced stiff resistance from Ukrainian forces.
Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Azov regiment, said his unit had joined forces with troops from the 36th Naval Brigade, but acknowledged that some Ukrainian defenders surrendered.
“These are real men [of the 36th] who have chosen the path of war,” he said. “Do not make heroes of deserters and fighters who have surrendered voluntarily. They have chosen the path of shame and should by no means be heroized.”
“We know what we’re doing, why we’re here. We will do everything necessary to successfully complete our combat mission,” said Serhii Volyna, commander of the naval brigade.
Ukraine’s presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych said earlier on Wednesday that the last remaining defenders of the besieged port city of Mariupol were able to join forces after a “risky manoeuvre”.
“That’s what happens when officers don’t lose their heads, but firmly maintain leadership and control over the troops,” Arestovych said.
CNN cannot independently confirm the details of the operation.
Meanwhile, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said in a statement Wednesday that the commercial seaport of Mariupol had been taken. CNN has not been able to independently verify this claim.