Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to cancel the storming of Azovstal as part of the Russian military special operation in Ukraine. This decision was announced today, April 21, during a meeting of the Commander-in-Chief with the Minister. The transcript is published on the Kremlin's website.

Sergei Shoigu told Putin that Mariupol, on the outskirts of which the plant is located, is now completely taken under control by the forces of the Russian Federation.

"Currently, the situation in the city is calm, it allows us to start restoring order, returning the population and establishing a peaceful life. As for those who disappeared at the Azovstal plant and are blocked there thoroughly and around the perimeter, it takes us about three to four days to complete this work at Azovstal," Shoigu said.

At the same time, the minister proposed the storming of an industrial facility, but Putin called it impractical and ordered it to be canceled.

"This is the case when we have to think — that is, we always have to think, but in this case even more so — about preserving the life and health of our soldiers and officers. There is no need to climb into these catacombs and crawl underground on these industrial facilities. Block this industrial zone so that the fly does not fly," the president said.

Then he told Shoigu to offer once again to those who are defending themselves in Azovstal to lay down their arms. According to Putin, the Russian side guarantees them life and "decent treatment." The wounded were promised medical care. [link to fn-volga.ru (secure)]