A senior Ukrainian official says that Russia is rejecting all evacuation proposals for Mariupol.

Russia is refusing to assist in the evacuation of citizens from the besieged port city “because it is symbolic for the enemy to destroy the city and its defenders; the Azov Regiment,” according to Myhailo Podoliak.

The Azov Battalion was formed as an ultra-nationalist volunteer battalion but has subsequently been absorbed into the Ukrainian military.

Podoliak stated, “The president and the head of the president’s office are continuously appealing to world leaders to help us convince the Russian side of the need for a humanitarian corridor from Mariupol.”

He added, “Some political leaders turn to Putin through their personal channels, urging him to do this for humanitarian reasons. However, unfortunately, there is no response from the Russian side.”

He said that the Russians were unwilling to talk or make concessions.