Turkish Defense Ministry ready for evacuation of people from Mariupol

Turkey has allocated vessels to help with the evacuation of people from Mariupol and is waiting for a swift and positive response regarding this issue, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Wednesday.

"We maintain permanent contacts with the Defense Ministries of Russia and Ukraine," Turkish daily YeniSafak quoted Akar as saying in regard to the situation in Mariupol.

"Turkey, on its behalf, did everything possible to provide for the safe evacuation of people, including the allocation of vessels," he continued. "There should be soon positive shifts in this direction and we are eagerly waiting for further developments."