The Red Cross made a statement that it did not give security guarantees to the defenders of Azovstal

The statement is published on the website of the organization.

We did not guarantee the safety of prisoners of war who fell into the hands of the enemy, since this is not in our power. - We have explained this to the parties in advance. It is the duty of the parties to a conflict to ensure that prisoners of war are protected from acts of violence, intimidation and public curiosity, as well as from the consequences of hostilities. Only the parties to the conflict can finally ensure the safety and security of prisoners of war, the appeal says.

Also, in the appeal, published on the website of the Red Cross, it is reported that representatives of the organization managed to visit some prisoners of war. Still, they do not have access to all the prisoners. The Red Cross emphasized that the organization acted as a "neutral intermediary" for the safe exit of the military from Azovstal.

After the terrorist attack in Yelenovka, the Red Cross sent requests to visit the colony, evacuate the wounded, and transfer medicines. However, Russia did not respond to any of them.

Meanwhile, the UN said it was organizing a "fact-finding mission" in connection with the explosion in the Yelenovskaya colony, which killed Ukrainian prisoners.

At the same time, US intelligence has evidence that Russia is trying to falsify evidence of the responsibility of Ukrainian forces for shelling the prison in Yelenovka. Russia can plant ammunition used in the American HIMARS multiple launch rocket system at the impact site. Thus, according to Washington, the Russian side is trying to create the impression that Ukraine is to blame for the attack, which struck with Western-supplied weapons.