What’s Azovstal?

Azovstal Iron and Steelworks is one of the largest steel companies in Ukraine. About 600 civilians and 2,000 Ukrainian fighters were trapped in the Mariupol steel mill for over 60 days during the destruction of the Ukrainian port town by Russian forces, beginning Feb. 24, 2022. The last civilians who found shelter in bunkers beneath the plant in ruined Mariupol arrived in Zaporizhzhia,  the first major city beyond the frontlines, on May 7.