Russia claimed 959 Ukrainian fighters at the Azovstal steel plant had surrendered in Mariupol. Russian defence ministry had earlier said 265 Ukrainian soldiers were taken into captivity as it underlined that 694 more fighters had surrendered overnight.

959 Ukrainian fighters have surrendered in Azovstal steel plant, claims Russia

In pics: Timeline of siege of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

After Ukraine said Russian forces had launched a powerful assault on the Azovstal steel plant, Kremlin denied Russia was storming the plant. "There is no storming," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding, "The order was publicly given by the supreme commander-in-chief to call off the assault.

Not storming Azovstal steel plant, says Russia amid strikes on Mariupol

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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