Mariupol

As key cities in his country were encircled by Russian troops early Monday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized world leaders for what he ...

He also likened crippling Western sanctions that have sent Russia’s economy spiraling to a declaration of war. "Additionally, cards issued locally in Russia by Russian banks will no longer work outside of the country on the American Express global network." Almost 3,000 people were detained Sunday at anti-war demonstrations in 49 cities across Russia, according to the independent Russia-based protest monitor OVD-Info. Capturing Odessa, a key strategic port on the southern coast, could largely shut Ukraine off from international shipping. "The need for humanitarian assistance in that troubled country is growing dramatically by the hour," the pope said. The same official had earlier confirmed that a humanitarian corridor out of Mariupol had been set to take place Sunday. Russia is moving increasingly to bombard cities and towns from the air. We are much more effective across the board.” It estimated that 200,000 people had been preparing to leave the city. Putin has previously called for “demilitarization” and “denazification” of Ukraine and insisted that the country should not be allowed to join NATO. He has also called for Crimea to be recognized as part of Russia and for separatist regions in eastern Ukraine to be recognized as independent states. The announcement did not specify an end time. Why? Because there is no reaction.

A few weeks ago, the mayor of Mariupol, Vadym Boichenko, was working on a plan to revitalise the Ukrainian port city, appearing at public meetings in shirt ...

And now they’re taking this future from us," he said, as the video connection cut in and out. "They’re destroying us," he told Reuters in a video call during which he could hear the sound of explosions from outside. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com He said his main priority now is to help many of the 400,000 people stuck in the southeastern city to escape.

Maxim, a 27-year-old city resident, tells the BBC what happened after the first ceasefire collapsed.

From now on we do what we have to each day only to survive and for our neighbours to survive. We are down to the water that I filled in the bath before the taps went off. The gas is the only thing still working - we can use it to boil the bath water to drink. We don't have any extra mattresses but we have put some spare carpet and clothes on the floor for them to lie on. All the houses are burning and no-one can put out the fires. We tried to escape today, during the planned time of no shooting.

Russian forces will observe a temporary cease-fire Sunday in two Ukrainian cities, an official in one of the country's two pro-Russia separatist regions ...

Onlookers in Chernihiv cheered as they watched a Russian military plane fall from the sky and crash, according to video released by the Ukrainian government. “If you plan to stay in Russia, understand the U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens, and conditions, including transportation options, may change suddenly.” But the fight itself has been left to Ukrainians, who have expressed a mixture of courageous resolve and despondency. Congress is considering a request for $10 billion in emergency funding for humanitarian aid and security needs. The United Nations human rights office said at least 351 civilians have been confirmed killed since the Feb. 24 invasion, but the true number is probably much higher. Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko said thousands of residents had gathered for safe passage out of the city Saturday when shelling began and the evacuation was stopped. The capital, Kyiv, waits in cruel limbo for advancing Russian forces. Vyacheslav Chaus posted a photo online of what he said was an undetonated FAB-500, a 1,100-pound bomb. Corpses scattered in the snow. The Russian occupants are using heavy artillery, including Grad multiple rocket launchers.” You should take to the streets! Meantime, would-be fighters and aid streams into Ukraine.