Ukrainian forces in Azovstal

That this House both recognises and salutes the heroism and fortitude of the Ukrainian soldiers and volunteers fighting for their country in the Azovstal steel works at Mariupol; understands that the Azovstal defenders are trapped, starving and lacking in fresh water, ammunition, medicine, adequate heating, sanitation and heavy weapons, with several hundred reputed to be wounded, whilst the defenders suffer from almost continuous bombardment; further understands that the defenders of Azovstal fight on without hope of relief or rescue, knowing that their continued resistance prevents the deployment of their Russian attackers elsewhere against Ukraine; acknowledges the anguish of the parents, siblings, wives, partners and children of Azovstal’s Ukrainian fighters, who it understands fear for their loved ones and who want them to return home safely; and believes that, while words like hero and heroism have been devalued over the years through their misuse, the courage and determination of Azovstal’s defenders shows the true meaning of those words, as they battle on in pursuit of a free and independent Ukraine.