Russia claims 265 Ukrainian soldiers `surrender`

Russia has claimed more than 250 Ukrainian fighters who were holed up in the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol have surrendered.

"Over the past 24 hours, 265 militants have laid down their arms and surrendered, including 51 seriously wounded," its defence ministry said on Tuesday, reports skynew.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Putin had guaranteed the Ukrainian fighters would be treated "in accordance with international standards".

It comes after Ukraine's military said it was working to evacuate all remaining troops from their last stronghold in the besieged port city.

Ukraine's deputy defence minister, Hanna Malyar, earlier said those who needed medical treatment were taken to a hospital in the Russian-controlled town of Novoazovsk, about 30 miles east of Mariupol.

Others were being taken to Olenivka, about 55 miles north, through humanitarian corridors, she said, adding that they would be exchanged with Russian military prisoners before returning home.

For weeks, the soldiers were the last remaining pocket of resistance against the Russian advance in Mariupol, a strategically-important city in southern Ukraine.

Agencies