Some Ukrainian militants at Azot plant surrender - Marochko

A number of Ukrainian servicemen holed up at the Azot plant in Severodonetsk have surrendered to the LPR, People's Militia Col. Andrey Marochko said.

"During the special military operation on the territory of the Azot plant in Severodonetks, some Ukrainian miliary, indeed, have made the right decision and began to surrender," he said.

Marochko said that the exact number of POWs and their affiliation with particular units is not disclosed for their own safety.

"Ukrainian barrier troops are active at the plant. Besides, families of those who surrendered may be at risk of persecution," he said.

LPR currently controls Severodonetsk and is carrying out an offensive at the Azot plant, where Ukrainian troops are holed up. The understanding is that there are a number of civilians kept hostages by Ukrainian militsnts at the facility.

Ukraine has been carrying out a military crackdown against Donbass since 2014. Multiple announcements of ceasefires failed to stabilize the situation. The simmering armed conflict escalated rapidly in February this year, and sent Donbass barreling towards an unprecedent bloodshed.

Russia intervened on February 24 by launching a special military operation to demilitarize Ukraine and bring peace back to Donbass. *t