In a video statement issued late Monday, Malyar said that together, the Ministry of Defense, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the Border Guard Service launched an operation to rescue defenders of Mariupol blocked on the territory of the Azovstal plant.
Read here Azovstal defender sings "Stefania": touching video
Another 211 people were taken to Olenivka through the humanitarian corridor. An exchange procedure will be carried out to return them home, she said.
Olenivka is a town near Donetsk on the front lines of the current fighting, but in Russian-occupied territory.
She added, "Thanks to the defenders of Mariupol, we have gained critical time to form reserves, regroup forces and receive assistance from partners. The defenders of Mariupol fulfilled all the tasks set by the command in full."
"Unfortunately, we do not have the opportunity to unblock Azovstal by military means. The most important common task of all Ukraine and the whole world is to save the lives of the defenders of Mariupol," Malyar said.