President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that the response of the Russian side to the proposal to exchange civilians and defenders of Mariupol is still not heard.

"The situation in Mariupol remains unchanged. It is as tough as possible. The Russian military block any attempts to organize a humanitarian corridor and save people. Our people, city residents, who fell into the hands of invaders. They are trying to deport or even mobilize them into the occupying forces. The fate of at least dozens thousands of Mariupol residents who were previously relocated to Russian-controlled territory are not known," Zelensky said in a video message on Tuesday evening.

"Unfortunately, we do not hear a response from Russia to the exchange offer, which may allow the rescue of civilians and the defenders of Mariupol," he said.

The head of state said that everyone who has been or may be associated with Russia this silence should pay attention to this. "When your fate is being decided, Moscow will remain silent. This is indicative. This is the best argument not to deal with the Russian Federation," he said.