Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Ukraine’s Mariupol Mayor has accused the Russian forces of hiding evidence of its “barbaric” war crimes in the strategic port city after new satellite images showed a mass burial site in the Russian-occupied village of Manhush, located about 12 miles (19km) west of Mariupol.

The mayor, Vadym Boichenko, was basing his allegation on the satellite images released by the Maxar on late Thursday, showing about 200 graves near an existing cemetery that had been expanded in recent weeks.

The US company’s images indicated that the new graves appeared between March 23 and March 26, The Washington Post reported.

“The biggest war crime of the 21st century was committed in Mariupol. This is the new Babyn Yar. Then, Hitler killed Jews, Roma, and Slavs. Now, Putin is destroying Ukrainians,” Boichenko said in the city council’s statement.

“We need to do everything we can to stop the genocide,” the newspaper quoted Boichenko as saying.

The Mariupol City Council in a statement on Telegram said that around 9,000 civilians are expected to be buried in the mass grave, claiming that the Russians forces “dug new trenches and filled them with corpses every day throughout April.”

The council further claimed that it has information indicating the bodies were “buried in several layers.”

The mayor claimed that more than 20,000 Mariupol residents had been killed since Russian forces began attacking the city during the early days of Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

Most bodies had now been removed, he said, with some disposed of in mobile crematoriums.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that the besieged Mariupol city has been “successfully liberated”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fakes-and-far-right-content-russia-fines-google-for-ukraine-videos-472719" hreflang="en">'Fakes and far-right content': Russia fines Google for Ukraine videos</a>

Putin hailed the "liberation" after his defence minister said that Moscow controls the city apart from the Azovstal steel plant, where Ukrainian soldiers remain. "

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mariupol-successfully-liberated-says-putin-as-russia-captures-port-city-472668" hreflang="en">'Mariupol successfully liberated', says Putin, as Russia captures port city</a>

The Russian president has asked his troops not to storm the Azovstal steel plant, the last remaining Ukrainian stronghold in the city, but to block it so no one can escape.

Putin told Shoigu, in remarks broadcast on state television: “There is no need to climb into these catacombs and crawl underground.”

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Ukraine refugee crisis | Mariupol could fall within hours

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(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ukraine’s Mariupol Mayor has accused the Russian forces of hiding evidence of its “barbaric” war crimes in the strategic port city after new satellite images showed a mass burial site in the Russian-occupied village of Manhush, located about 12 miles (19km) west of Mariupol. The mayor, Vadym Boichenko, was basing his allegation on the satellite images released by the Maxar on late Thursday, showing about 200 graves near an existing cemetery that had been expanded in recent weeks. The US company’s images indicated that the new graves appeared between March 23 and March 26, The Washington Post reported. “The biggest war crime of the 21st century was committed in Mariupol. This is the new Babyn Yar. Then, Hitler killed Jews, Roma, and Slavs. Now, Putin is destroying Ukrainians,” Boichenko said in the city council’s statement. “We need to do everything we can to stop the genocide,” the newspaper quoted Boichenko as saying. The Mariupol City Council in a statement on Telegram said that around 9,000 civilians are expected to be buried in the mass grave, claiming that the Russians forces “dug new trenches and filled them with corpses every day throughout April.” The council further claimed that it has information indicating the bodies were “buried in several layers.” The mayor claimed that more than 20,000 Mariupol residents had been killed since Russian forces began attacking the city during the early days of Vladimir Putin’s invasion. Most bodies had now been removed, he said, with some disposed of in mobile crematoriums. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that the besieged Mariupol city has been “successfully liberated”. Also read | 'Fakes and far-right content': Russia fines Google for Ukraine videos Putin hailed the "liberation" after his defence minister said that Moscow controls the city apart from the Azovstal steel plant, where Ukrainian soldiers remain. " Also read | 'Mariupol successfully liberated', says Putin, as Russia captures port city The Russian president has asked his troops not to storm the Azovstal steel plant, the last remaining Ukrainian stronghold in the city, but to block it so no one can escape. Putin told Shoigu, in remarks broadcast on state television: “There is no need to climb into these catacombs and crawl underground.” Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: Ukraine refugee crisis | Mariupol could fall within hours (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: 200 new graves found in Mariupol, claims mayor as satellite pictures emerge

With Russian forces claiming to have taken control of Ukrainian city of Mariupol, there are reports of people being trapped in the city. Several Ukrainian defenders are also reportedly trapped inside Azovstal power plant. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said there are defenders still inside Mariupol. Is this the end of battle in the besieged city?

Mariupol: Is this end of battle? What Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky, Joe Biden are saying

Russia has declared control over the city of Mariupol in Ukraine and this means that the fate of nearly about a hundred thousand civilians who are trapped in the southern port city actually lies in the hands of the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia claims control of Mariupol, satellite images show mass graves outside city

According to reports, the city of Mariupol, the key port city for which the battle has been raging on in Ukraine for almost about eight weeks, Russia has now claimed that it has managed to secure control over the whole of Mariupol except for the Azovstal steel plant.

Putin orders to block Mariupol's steel plant completely

The Russian invasion of Ukraine refuses to die down anytime soon. The situation in Mariupol is worsening, Ukraine has now offered to host special talks with Russia to unblock this city.

Ukraine offers special talks with Russia over Mariupol evacuation

On Thursday, April 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Mariupol, Ukraine, had been "successfully liberated."&nbsp;

On the other hand, Putin has instructed his soldiers not to attack the Azovstal steel mill, the last surviving Ukrainian stronghold in the city, but to block it so no one can escape.

President Vladimir Putin praised Russia's "liberation" of Mariupol after his defence minister stated that Moscow now controls the city, with the exception of the Azovstal steel factory, where Ukrainian troops remain. Putin said, "Block off this industrial region so that not even a fly can leave."

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Russia's defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, said on Tuesday that his country's forces were "methodically carrying out" preparations to "liberate" two separatist territories in eastern Ukraine. On Thursday, he added that the steel plant had been "securely blocked."

Taking full control of Mariupol on the Azov Sea would be a big strategic win for Russia, allowing it to link occupied Crimea to pro-Russian separatist-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-seeks-india-drug-imports-as-pharmacies-run-short-of-medicines-amid-ukraine-war-sanctions-472245">Russia seeks India drug imports as pharmacies run short of medicines amid Ukraine war, sanctions</a>

Thousands of people are thought to have died in the city, which was besieged by Russian troops for over a month and had little food, water, or electricity.

On Thursday, April 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Mariupol, Ukraine, had been "successfully liberated." On the other hand, Putin has instructed his soldiers not to attack the Azovstal steel mill, the last surviving Ukrainian stronghold in the city, but to block it so no one can escape.

On Thursday, April 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Mariupol, Ukraine, had been "successfully liberated." On the other hand, Putin has instructed his soldiers not to attack the Azovstal steel mill, the last surviving Ukrainian stronghold in the city, but to block it so no one can escape. President Vladimir Putin praised Russia's "liberation" of Mariupol after his defence minister stated that Moscow now controls the city, with the exception of the Azovstal steel factory, where Ukrainian troops remain. Putin said, "Block off this industrial region so that not even a fly can leave." Also read | Amid Russia's Donbas offensive, US sends warplanes to Ukraine Russia's defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, said on Tuesday that his country's forces were "methodically carrying out" preparations to "liberate" two separatist territories in eastern Ukraine. On Thursday, he added that the steel plant had been "securely blocked." Taking full control of Mariupol on the Azov Sea would be a big strategic win for Russia, allowing it to link occupied Crimea to pro-Russian separatist-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine. Also read | Russia seeks India drug imports as pharmacies run short of medicines amid Ukraine war, sanctions Thousands of people are thought to have died in the city, which was besieged by Russian troops for over a month and had little food, water, or electricity.

'Mariupol successfully liberated', says Putin, as Russia captures port city

According to reports, the city of Mariupol, the key port city for which the battle been raging on in Ukraine for almost about eight weeks, Russia has now claimed that it has managed to secure control over the whole of Mariupol except for the Azovstal steel plant.

Putin claims taking control of Mariupol, 'block off Azovstal plant so not even a fly can escape'

In the ruins of Mariupol, Russia once again issued an ultimatum to Ukraine soldiers still defending the city. 'Laid down your arms and surrender,' this proposal is likely to be ignored by Ukraine just like it did before.

Russia asks Mariupol defenders to 'lay down their arms,' Ukraine vows to fight on

As a result of the West's punishing sanctions, pharmacies in Russia are running out of crucial medicines.

Prices have risen by up to 20% as consumers hurry to stock up on supplies that are running out.

After sanctions and logistical bottlenecks curtailed imports from Europe and China, Russia is now looking to India for more medical equipment.&nbsp;

The fundamental cause of the current drug shortage is that Russian banks have been cut off from the international banking system as a result of the sanctions, leaving pharmacies in the country unable to pay for deliveries.

There are also logistical issues, since certain shipping companies, including the market leader Maersk, have halted all cargo transports into and out of Russia.

According to a survey of 3,317 doctors conducted by members of the Vrachi.rf professional community, Russian doctors are facing a shortage of more than 80 medicines.

According to Bloomberg, India is expecting to increase exports to Russia as the two countries work out a payment scheme in local currencies similar to one used during the Cold War to keep bilateral trade going while Moscow is subjected to harsh international sanctions.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-doing-everything-to-drag-out-ukraine-conflict-russias-defence-minister-472136">West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister</a>

The US and its allies have chastised New Delhi for buying more Russian oil after attempting to isolate Russia over its conflict in Ukraine.

India is now a minor player in the Russian market, but it intends to nearly double its exports this year to Rs 2 billion &nbsp;($26.2 million).

Watch | West sanction has not stopped Russia from halting invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-sanction-has-not-stopped-russia-from-halting-invasion-456692/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As a result of the West's punishing sanctions, pharmacies in Russia are running out of crucial medicines. Prices have risen by up to 20% as consumers hurry to stock up on supplies that are running out.

As a result of the West's punishing sanctions, pharmacies in Russia are running out of crucial medicines. Prices have risen by up to 20% as consumers hurry to stock up on supplies that are running out. After sanctions and logistical bottlenecks curtailed imports from Europe and China, Russia is now looking to India for more medical equipment. The fundamental cause of the current drug shortage is that Russian banks have been cut off from the international banking system as a result of the sanctions, leaving pharmacies in the country unable to pay for deliveries. There are also logistical issues, since certain shipping companies, including the market leader Maersk, have halted all cargo transports into and out of Russia. According to a survey of 3,317 doctors conducted by members of the Vrachi.rf professional community, Russian doctors are facing a shortage of more than 80 medicines. According to Bloomberg, India is expecting to increase exports to Russia as the two countries work out a payment scheme in local currencies similar to one used during the Cold War to keep bilateral trade going while Moscow is subjected to harsh international sanctions. Also Read | West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister The US and its allies have chastised New Delhi for buying more Russian oil after attempting to isolate Russia over its conflict in Ukraine. India is now a minor player in the Russian market, but it intends to nearly double its exports this year to Rs 2 billion ($26.2 million). Watch | West sanction has not stopped Russia from halting invasion

Russia seeks India drug imports as pharmacies run short of medicines amid Ukraine war, sanctions

Russia has been attacking Ukraine's port city of Mariupol for weeks. After Russian forces entered Ukraine on February 24, Mariupol has received a near-constant battering from Russia with strikes destroying large part of the city. Ukrainian forces have been trying to defend the Azov Sea port but they have been pushed back due to Russian attacks. What importance does the port have for Vladimir Putin? Why is Russia hell-bent on capturing Mariupol? Here are some of the reasons.

1. Land connect with Crimea and Donbass

Russia already has control over Crimean peninsula which it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Russia faces allegations of supporting secessionist elements in Ukraine's Donbass region. Mariupol is a major city situated between these two regions.

If Russia captures Mariupol, its forces in Crimea and Donbass will be able to have a greater connect with each other. This may prove useful for Russia to stage attacks deeper in Ukraine.

2. Cornering Ukraine's economy

Mariupol is a major Ukrainian port on the Azov Sea. Russian control on Mariupol will make Ukraine unable to carry out vital international trade from the port. This may create problems for Ukrainian economy potentially affecting country's capacity to resist Russian influence and invasion in future.

Losing Mariupol would mean Ukraine would lose sufficient access to up to 80 per cent of its coastline on the Black Sea.

3. The PR value!

World was taken aback when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. It was expected by some that Russian forces would sweep across Ukraine and will be able to score a swift victory.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-doing-everything-to-drag-out-ukraine-conflict-russias-defence-minister-472136">West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister</a>

However, after nearly two months. Russian forces have been unable to capture a major city. Though Russian forces launched attacks of Ukrainian capital Kyiv, soldiers on ground were soon diverted to other regions.

In such a scenario, victory in Mariupol would be a big PR boost for Russia as they will have captured a major urban area.

4. Morale booster

Fall of Mariupol can be a morale booster for Russian troops and citizens. Media reports have hinted at low morale of Russian forces in a conflict that has not yielded a major win till now.

If Mariupol falls into Russian hands, Kremlin may publicise the victory as indication that Russian forces were achieving their objectives in the Ukraine conflict.

Russia has been attacking Ukraine's port city of Mariupol for weeks. After Russian forces entered Ukraine on February 24, Mariupol has received a near-constant battering from Russia with strikes destroying large part of the city.

Russia has been attacking Ukraine's port city of Mariupol for weeks. After Russian forces entered Ukraine on February 24, Mariupol has received a near-constant battering from Russia with strikes destroying large part of the city. Ukrainian forces have been trying to defend the Azov Sea port but they have been pushed back due to Russian attacks. What importance does the port have for Vladimir Putin? Why is Russia hell-bent on capturing Mariupol? Here are some of the reasons. 1. Land connect with Crimea and Donbass Russia already has control over Crimean peninsula which it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Russia faces allegations of supporting secessionist elements in Ukraine's Donbass region. Mariupol is a major city situated between these two regions. If Russia captures Mariupol, its forces in Crimea and Donbass will be able to have a greater connect with each other. This may prove useful for Russia to stage attacks deeper in Ukraine. 2. Cornering Ukraine's economy Mariupol is a major Ukrainian port on the Azov Sea. Russian control on Mariupol will make Ukraine unable to carry out vital international trade from the port. This may create problems for Ukrainian economy potentially affecting country's capacity to resist Russian influence and invasion in future. Losing Mariupol would mean Ukraine would lose sufficient access to up to 80 per cent of its coastline on the Black Sea. 3. The PR value! World was taken aback when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. It was expected by some that Russian forces would sweep across Ukraine and will be able to score a swift victory. Also Read | West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister However, after nearly two months. Russian forces have been unable to capture a major city. Though Russian forces launched attacks of Ukrainian capital Kyiv, soldiers on ground were soon diverted to other regions. In such a scenario, victory in Mariupol would be a big PR boost for Russia as they will have captured a major urban area. 4. Morale booster Fall of Mariupol can be a morale booster for Russian troops and citizens. Media reports have hinted at low morale of Russian forces in a conflict that has not yielded a major win till now. If Mariupol falls into Russian hands, Kremlin may publicise the victory as indication that Russian forces were achieving their objectives in the Ukraine conflict.

Ukraine Conflict: Why a victory in Mariupol is important to Russia

Mila Panchenko found herself on a station platform in southwest&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;after lack of food and water forced her to hand herself over to pro-Russian forces to escape the&nbsp;besieged&nbsp;Ukrainian city of&nbsp;Mariupol.

At the station in Taganrog, a port on the Sea of Azov, she was put on a train along with around 200 other&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;and told they were being transported to another part of&nbsp;Russia's Rostov region, which borders Ukraine.

But when the train arrived at its destination, the 53-year-old found herself in Tula province in central&nbsp;Russia, in the town of Suvorov, some 1,000 km (621 miles) away.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-troops-have-begun-battle-for-the-donbas-says-zelensky-472014">Russian troops have begun battle for Donbas, says Ukraine President Zelensky</a>

&nbsp;"There were a lot of police. The station was sealed off so no&nbsp;Russian civilians could approach us," Panchenko said, adding that there were crowds to greet them but the son of a friend&nbsp;from&nbsp;Tula - who she did not identify - was not allowed in. "We were met cheerfully, with cookies."

In addition to Panchenko, Reuters spoke to another Ukrainian woman - Natalia Bil-Maer - who escaped&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;last month, as well as the relatives of two other refugees.

They painted a picture of some civilians in&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;having no choice but to flee&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;besieged&nbsp;city to&nbsp;Russia, a journey that involved repeated searches and questioning by pro-Russian forces before being transported often far&nbsp;from&nbsp;Ukraine's border.&nbsp;

Reuters was unable to verify their stories independently.&nbsp;

The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment about the independent accounts provided to Reuters by Panchenko and Bil-Maer of&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;being sent to distant parts of&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;without any choice.

Moscow has denied intentionally targeting civilians since invading Ukraine on Feb. 24.

Panchenko said she and the other&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;on the train were taken by&nbsp;Russian authorities to a sanatorium in the Tula region called Krainka. She was given a room with a small fridge, a television and two single beds. Laid on a table was traditional gingerbread, sweet biscuits, water and iced tea.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: 7 killed in Russian strikes in Kyiv

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The Krainka resort did not respond to a request for comment on its role in sheltering the&nbsp;Ukrainians.

&nbsp;After arriving at the sanatorium, Panchenko - the duty manager of a cistern factory before the war and a member of the local council - said she was fingerprinted, photographed and questioned in front of a prosecutor, whom Reuters was unable to identify.

Panchenko - who speaks&nbsp;Russian and Ukrainian - was asked whether the suppression of the&nbsp;Russian language in Ukraine had worsened since 2014, she said.

In that year,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;annexed the Crimea peninsula while two breakaway regions of Ukraine -- Donetsk and Luhansk -- declared themselves people's republics with Moscow's backing.&nbsp;

One of&nbsp;Russia's justifications for what it calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine is to protect&nbsp;Russian speakers&nbsp;from&nbsp;what Moscow brands aggression&nbsp;from&nbsp;Ukrainian nationalists. Ukraine has denied this.&nbsp;

"I only said that I could speak Ukrainian and that I loved it ... I said I hadn't witnessed any suppression of&nbsp;Russian."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Forced Deportations

Liudmyla Denisova, Ukraine's ombudswoman for human rights, said last week that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;had taken 134,000 people&nbsp;from&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;and that 33,000 of those were forcibly&nbsp;deported. Reuters was unable to determine the accuracy of those statistics.&nbsp;

Rachel Denber, deputy director for Europe and Central Asia at Human Rights Watch, said her organisation had documented at least one instance where there was "no question that it would be considered a forced transfer" - which she defined as "being forced to go to the side that has invaded your country."

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The 1949 Geneva Conventions, which defined legal standards for humanitarian treatment in conflict, prohibit the mass forcible transfer of civilians during an international conflict to the territory of the occupying power, classifying it as a war crime.

Russia&nbsp;says it is offering humanitarian aid to those wanting to leave&nbsp;Mariupol. A&nbsp;Russian government resolution, published on March 12 on its website, listed the whereabouts of 95,909 people across&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;who had left Ukraine and the two breakaway republics.

A month later, on April 14,&nbsp;Russian Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev said that 138,014 civilians had been rescued by&nbsp;Russian forces just&nbsp;from&nbsp;Mariupol, as the fighting intensified.&nbsp;

Panchenko said she fled&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;on March 17 when Chechen troops seized the building on the left bank of the Kalmius river where she and dozens of other civilians had been sheltering in a basement.

"They said that we had to evacuate because they wanted to set up their headquarters there," Panchenko said by telephone&nbsp;from&nbsp;Brescia, in northern Italy, where she is now living, having left&nbsp;Russia.

With scant supplies of food and water, Panchenko said she had no choice but to get into the cars offered by the Chechen soldiers to take them to&nbsp;Russian-controlled parts of Donetsk.

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They were transported by car and then bus to the village of Bezimenne, where police&nbsp;from&nbsp;the separatist Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) have set up processing facilities, Panchenko said. They were fingerprinted and questioned by separatist police.

Spokespeople for the DPR and the Chechen authorities did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

"We were asked if we had any connection with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, if we knew anyone&nbsp;from&nbsp;the Azov Battalion," she said, referring to a Ukrainian National Guard unit that Moscow has accused of targeting&nbsp;Russian speakers. "We weren't on any lists, so they put us on a bus again and took us to Taganrog train station."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trains sent across Russia

On March 22, Bil-Maer fled the basement of a relative's apartment block with her husband and two children - aged 6 and 7 - as the&nbsp;Russian assault drew closer. They had planned to go to the nearby coastal town of Berdiansk, to the west, but their route was blocked by shelling.

"We had only one way left to go because that part of town was controlled by&nbsp;Russian soldiers ... So they transported us and we were&nbsp;deported&nbsp;to&nbsp;Russia."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-fighters-who-fought-against-islamic-state-sign-up-to-fight-alongside-russian-troops-in-ukraine-report-471848">Syrian fighters who fought against Islamic State sign up to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine: Report</a>

As they were taken through&nbsp;Russian-controlled territory, Bil-Maer said&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;were repeatedly questioned and men were asked to strip, as&nbsp;Russian forces searched for combatants.

But by March 23 she found herself on&nbsp;Russian soil and was taken to Taganrog station.

"In Taganrog, there were a lot of nice words said to us: “We've saved you. We'll feed you”," said Bil-Maer, who saw trains headed to Tambov and Vladimir in central&nbsp;Russia. "It was clear that every train was going to a different place."

As soon as Bil-Maer could use her phone, she called an aunt in&nbsp;Russia's Krasnodar region, across the Sea of Azov&nbsp;from&nbsp;east Ukraine, and she came to pick up the family.

But, once in her aunt’s&nbsp;home, Bil-Maer said she was reluctant to go outside because she was tired of being told by strangers that the&nbsp;Russian bombing was Ukraine's fault for attacking&nbsp;Russian-speakers. She said many&nbsp;Russians echoed the Kremlin’s position - reproduced in the media - that civilian casualties in the conflict were caused by Ukraine’s own armed forces to discredit Moscow.&nbsp;

Bil-Maer quickly fled to Georgia with her husband and children.

She does not know how she will return&nbsp;home: she is struggling to get help&nbsp;from&nbsp;the Ukrainian embassy and only has her internal passport with her. Her husband also left the country with her illegally when it was banned because he was of fighting age.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/city-still-has-not-fallen-mariupol-may-be-a-red-line-in-talks-says-ukraine-471755">&nbsp;'City still has not fallen': Mariupol may be a red line in talks, says Ukraine</a>

Ukraine foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said Ukraine had to close its diplomatic missions in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;for security reasons but embassies in the neighboring countries would provide consular assistance to&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;deported&nbsp;to&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to enable them to return&nbsp;home, including temporary travel documents.&nbsp;

After 10 days at the Krainka resort, Panchenko said she persuaded the&nbsp;Russians to allow her to leave for Nizhny Novgorod, a city on the Volga river east of Moscow, to stay with the family of an elderly neighbor&nbsp;from&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;who had fled with her.

Once outside the resort, Panchenko and her neighbor, who she identified as Zhan, went instead to Moscow and then to the Baltic States. Panchenko found her way eventually to Italy.&nbsp;

"But my plan is to make some money and return to my&nbsp;home&nbsp;Mariupol, if it stays Ukrainian," she said. "I want to come back to Ukraine very much."

Mila Panchenko found herself on a station platform in southwest Russia after lack of food and water forced her to hand herself over to pro-Russian forces to escape the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol.

Mila Panchenko found herself on a station platform in southwest Russia after lack of food and water forced her to hand herself over to pro-Russian forces to escape the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol. At the station in Taganrog, a port on the Sea of Azov, she was put on a train along with around 200 other Ukrainians and told they were being transported to another part of Russia's Rostov region, which borders Ukraine. But when the train arrived at its destination, the 53-year-old found herself in Tula province in central Russia, in the town of Suvorov, some 1,000 km (621 miles) away. Also read | Russian troops have begun battle for Donbas, says Ukraine President Zelensky "There were a lot of police. The station was sealed off so no Russian civilians could approach us," Panchenko said, adding that there were crowds to greet them but the son of a friend from Tula - who she did not identify - was not allowed in. "We were met cheerfully, with cookies." In addition to Panchenko, Reuters spoke to another Ukrainian woman - Natalia Bil-Maer - who escaped Mariupol last month, as well as the relatives of two other refugees. They painted a picture of some civilians in Mariupol having no choice but to flee from the besieged city to Russia, a journey that involved repeated searches and questioning by pro-Russian forces before being transported often far from Ukraine's border. Reuters was unable to verify their stories independently. The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment about the independent accounts provided to Reuters by Panchenko and Bil-Maer of Ukrainians being sent to distant parts of Russia without any choice. Moscow has denied intentionally targeting civilians since invading Ukraine on Feb. 24. Panchenko said she and the other Ukrainians on the train were taken by Russian authorities to a sanatorium in the Tula region called Krainka. She was given a room with a small fridge, a television and two single beds. Laid on a table was traditional gingerbread, sweet biscuits, water and iced tea. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: 7 killed in Russian strikes in Kyiv The Krainka resort did not respond to a request for comment on its role in sheltering the Ukrainians. After arriving at the sanatorium, Panchenko - the duty manager of a cistern factory before the war and a member of the local council - said she was fingerprinted, photographed and questioned in front of a prosecutor, whom Reuters was unable to identify. Panchenko - who speaks Russian and Ukrainian - was asked whether the suppression of the Russian language in Ukraine had worsened since 2014, she said. In that year, Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula while two breakaway regions of Ukraine -- Donetsk and Luhansk -- declared themselves people's republics with Moscow's backing. One of Russia's justifications for what it calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine is to protect Russian speakers from what Moscow brands aggression from Ukrainian nationalists. Ukraine has denied this. "I only said that I could speak Ukrainian and that I loved it ... I said I hadn't witnessed any suppression of Russian." Forced Deportations Liudmyla Denisova, Ukraine's ombudswoman for human rights, said last week that Russia had taken 134,000 people from Mariupol and that 33,000 of those were forcibly deported. Reuters was unable to determine the accuracy of those statistics. Rachel Denber, deputy director for Europe and Central Asia at Human Rights Watch, said her organisation had documented at least one instance where there was "no question that it would be considered a forced transfer" - which she defined as "being forced to go to the side that has invaded your country." Also read | Bleak assessments of the Russian economy clash with Putin’s rosy claims The 1949 Geneva Conventions, which defined legal standards for humanitarian treatment in conflict, prohibit the mass forcible transfer of civilians during an international conflict to the territory of the occupying power, classifying it as a war crime. Russia says it is offering humanitarian aid to those wanting to leave Mariupol. A Russian government resolution, published on March 12 on its website, listed the whereabouts of 95,909 people across Russia who had left Ukraine and the two breakaway republics. A month later, on April 14, Russian Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev said that 138,014 civilians had been rescued by Russian forces just from Mariupol, as the fighting intensified. Panchenko said she fled Mariupol on March 17 when Chechen troops seized the building on the left bank of the Kalmius river where she and dozens of other civilians had been sheltering in a basement. "They said that we had to evacuate because they wanted to set up their headquarters there," Panchenko said by telephone from Brescia, in northern Italy, where she is now living, having left Russia. With scant supplies of food and water, Panchenko said she had no choice but to get into the cars offered by the Chechen soldiers to take them to Russian-controlled parts of Donetsk. Also read | Five 'powerful' missiles hit Lviv as Russia bombards multiple Ukrainian cities They were transported by car and then bus to the village of Bezimenne, where police from the separatist Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) have set up processing facilities, Panchenko said. They were fingerprinted and questioned by separatist police. Spokespeople for the DPR and the Chechen authorities did not respond to a request for comment. "We were asked if we had any connection with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, if we knew anyone from the Azov Battalion," she said, referring to a Ukrainian National Guard unit that Moscow has accused of targeting Russian speakers. "We weren't on any lists, so they put us on a bus again and took us to Taganrog train station." Trains sent across Russia On March 22, Bil-Maer fled the basement of a relative's apartment block with her husband and two children - aged 6 and 7 - as the Russian assault drew closer. They had planned to go to the nearby coastal town of Berdiansk, to the west, but their route was blocked by shelling. "We had only one way left to go because that part of town was controlled by Russian soldiers ... So they transported us and we were deported to Russia." Also read | Syrian fighters who fought against Islamic State sign up to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine: Report As they were taken through Russian-controlled territory, Bil-Maer said Ukrainians were repeatedly questioned and men were asked to strip, as Russian forces searched for combatants. But by March 23 she found herself on Russian soil and was taken to Taganrog station. "In Taganrog, there were a lot of nice words said to us: “We've saved you. We'll feed you”," said Bil-Maer, who saw trains headed to Tambov and Vladimir in central Russia. "It was clear that every train was going to a different place." As soon as Bil-Maer could use her phone, she called an aunt in Russia's Krasnodar region, across the Sea of Azov from east Ukraine, and she came to pick up the family. But, once in her aunt’s home, Bil-Maer said she was reluctant to go outside because she was tired of being told by strangers that the Russian bombing was Ukraine's fault for attacking Russian-speakers. She said many Russians echoed the Kremlin’s position - reproduced in the media - that civilian casualties in the conflict were caused by Ukraine’s own armed forces to discredit Moscow. Bil-Maer quickly fled to Georgia with her husband and children. She does not know how she will return home: she is struggling to get help from the Ukrainian embassy and only has her internal passport with her. Her husband also left the country with her illegally when it was banned because he was of fighting age. Also read | 'City still has not fallen': Mariupol may be a red line in talks, says Ukraine Ukraine foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said Ukraine had to close its diplomatic missions in Russia for security reasons but embassies in the neighboring countries would provide consular assistance to Ukrainians deported to Russia to enable them to return home, including temporary travel documents. After 10 days at the Krainka resort, Panchenko said she persuaded the Russians to allow her to leave for Nizhny Novgorod, a city on the Volga river east of Moscow, to stay with the family of an elderly neighbor from Mariupol who had fled with her. Once outside the resort, Panchenko and her neighbor, who she identified as Zhan, went instead to Moscow and then to the Baltic States. Panchenko found her way eventually to Italy. "But my plan is to make some money and return to my home Mariupol, if it stays Ukrainian," she said. "I want to come back to Ukraine very much."

Ukrainians deported to Russia from besieged Mariupol dream of home

Eighth week of the war in Ukraine and fighting continues in the southern and eastern part of the country. On Sunday, Ukrainian soldiers ignored a Russian ultimatum to lay down their arms and surrender the city of Mariupol while Moscow claims its forces have completely seized the port city Ukraine's prime minister has claimed otherwise.

Ukraine: Mariupol has not fallen, defenders will fight till the end

Ukraine troops refused to surrender as Russia's Sunday deadline for troops to surrender in Mariupol expired.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal declared that the "city still has not&nbsp;fallen" as Russia bombarded cities across Ukraine.

Reports claim Ukrainian soldiers still control some parts of Mariupol as the fighting rages on in the southeastern Ukrainian city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/moskva-attack-why-ukraines-anti-ship-missile-neptune-is-a-gamechanger-471637">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;Moskva attack: Why Ukraine's anti-ship missile Neptune is a gamechanger</a>

Russia had earlier said they were concentrating its forces in Donbas region in eastern Ukraine as it launched a ground offensive in the area.

Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba informed that Ukrainian soldiers including civilians were surrounded by Russian troops in Mariupol.

Watch:&nbsp;Russian missile attack kills 5 In Ukraine's Kharkiv

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Kuleba insisted that "Mariupol may be a red line" in talks while describing the situation in Mariupol as "dire".

Ukraine President &nbsp;Volodymyr Zelensky had declared over the weekend that if Ukrainian troops were killed then his country would not hold peace talks with Russia.

President Putin had declared a "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24 as Russia invaded Ukraine, however, Russian troops have faced fierce resistance with most cities still under Ukraine's control amid heavy losses.

Amid the fighting, Ukraine officials said they would hold a meeting with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the reconstruction of the country.

Meanwhile, reports claim Ukraine has completed its questionnaire for membership to enter the European Union with Zelensky's government keen to join the European alliance in June.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine troops refused to surrender as Russia's Sunday deadline for troops to surrender in Mariupol expired. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal declared that the "city still has not fallen" as Russia bombarded cities across Ukraine.

Ukraine troops refused to surrender as Russia's Sunday deadline for troops to surrender in Mariupol expired. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal declared that the "city still has not fallen" as Russia bombarded cities across Ukraine. Reports claim Ukrainian soldiers still control some parts of Mariupol as the fighting rages on in the southeastern Ukrainian city. Also Read in Pics: Moskva attack: Why Ukraine's anti-ship missile Neptune is a gamechanger Russia had earlier said they were concentrating its forces in Donbas region in eastern Ukraine as it launched a ground offensive in the area. Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba informed that Ukrainian soldiers including civilians were surrounded by Russian troops in Mariupol. Watch: Russian missile attack kills 5 In Ukraine's Kharkiv Kuleba insisted that "Mariupol may be a red line" in talks while describing the situation in Mariupol as "dire". Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky had declared over the weekend that if Ukrainian troops were killed then his country would not hold peace talks with Russia. President Putin had declared a "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24 as Russia invaded Ukraine, however, Russian troops have faced fierce resistance with most cities still under Ukraine's control amid heavy losses. Amid the fighting, Ukraine officials said they would hold a meeting with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the reconstruction of the country. Meanwhile, reports claim Ukraine has completed its questionnaire for membership to enter the European Union with Zelensky's government keen to join the European alliance in June. (With inputs from Agencies)

'City still has not fallen': Mariupol may be a red line in talks, says Ukraine

Ukraine ignores Russia's surrender call for Mariupol

In an interview on Sunday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said situation in Mariupol may be a "red line" in negotiations. &nbsp;

This comes as soldiers of Ukraine in Mariupol have resisted an ultimatum of Russian forces&nbsp;to lay down arms on Sunday. Moscow has also said that its forces have almost seized the city completely, as per the media reports. &nbsp;

In spite of a Russian demand to surrender by dawn, the troops were still fighting in Mariupol, said Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-urbi-et-orbi-address-pope-francis-slams-russia-implicitly-over-ukraine-calls-to-observe-easter-of-war-471682" hreflang="en">Pope slams Russia implicitly over Ukraine, calls to observe 'Easter of war' &nbsp;</a>

The fighting in the pulverised port city of Mariupol seems to have become decisive in the course of the war. As the city could be the biggest prize for Russia in the nearly two-month war, both sides are leaving no stone unturned. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Mariupol may be a red line", Kuleba said in the interview with CBS News. &nbsp;

In the coming weeks, the "intensification of heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine" could be expected, the foreign minister said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch | Zelensky: We will end negotiations if our troops are harmed

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"We didn't really have any contacts with Russian diplomats in recent weeks at the level of foreign ministries,"&nbsp;Kuleba added. &nbsp;

"The only level of contact is the negotiating team that consists of the representatives of various institutions and members of parliament. They continue their consultations at the expert level but no high-level talks are taking place," Kuleba further said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In an interview on Sunday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said situation in Mariupol may be a "red line" in negotiations. This comes as soldiers of Ukraine in Mariupol have resisted an ultimatum of Russian forces to lay down arms on Sunday.

In an interview on Sunday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said situation in Mariupol may be a "red line" in negotiations. This comes as soldiers of Ukraine in Mariupol have resisted an ultimatum of Russian forces to lay down arms on Sunday. Moscow has also said that its forces have almost seized the city completely, as per the media reports. In spite of a Russian demand to surrender by dawn, the troops were still fighting in Mariupol, said Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Also Read: Pope slams Russia implicitly over Ukraine, calls to observe 'Easter of war' The fighting in the pulverised port city of Mariupol seems to have become decisive in the course of the war. As the city could be the biggest prize for Russia in the nearly two-month war, both sides are leaving no stone unturned. "Mariupol may be a red line", Kuleba said in the interview with CBS News. In the coming weeks, the "intensification of heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine" could be expected, the foreign minister said. Watch | Zelensky: We will end negotiations if our troops are harmed × "We didn't really have any contacts with Russian diplomats in recent weeks at the level of foreign ministries," Kuleba added. "The only level of contact is the negotiating team that consists of the representatives of various institutions and members of parliament. They continue their consultations at the expert level but no high-level talks are taking place," Kuleba further said. (With inputs from agencies)

With fighting still on despite Russian deadline, Ukrainian minister says Mariupol can be a 'red line' in talks

Russia-Ukraine conflict shows no signs of abating. Ukrainian president Zelensky has now said that Kyiv will stall all negotiation talks with Moscow if the last Ukrainian troops in the besieged port city of Mariupol are killed.

Zelensky: We will end negotiations if our troops are harmed

Amid the war with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Putin's regime could use nuclear weapons as the war drags on.

"They could do it, I mean they can," Zelensky told a US television network, adding that "all of the world" should be worried.

President Putin had put his nuclear forces on alert just days after launching the attack on February 24 against Ukraine. The Russian president called it a "special military operation" while launching the invasion against Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-harpoon-anti-ship-missiles-in-ukraines-arsenal-can-disbalance-russia-in-black-sea-region-470481">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;How Harpoon anti-ship missiles in Ukraine's arsenal can disbalance Russia</a>

"Chemical weapons, they should do it, they could do it, for them the life of the people, nothing, that's why," Ukraine's president told the television channel.

CIA director William Burns added that US President Biden is "deeply concerned about avoiding a third world war, about avoiding a threshold in which nuclear conflict becomes possible."

Watch:&nbsp;Russia threatens&nbsp;more attacks against&nbsp;Kyiv

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Meanwhile, reports said Russia's missile cruiser sank in the Black Sea as Ukraine claimed it was due to a missile strike by its forces.

However, the Russian defence ministry said the sinking was due to an explosion of ammunition in the warship due to which the ship lost its balance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-russia-destroys-worlds-largest-commercial-airplane-in-ukraine-mriya-468458">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Antonov AN-225, world's largest plane, in tatters</a>

However, Ukraine said it had hit the ship with its Neptune cruise missile. US officials were however unable to verify the claims. The ship was reportedly instrumental in the blockade of Mariupol where Russian forces have carried out bombardment for weeks.

Amid the fighting. Russia threatened to escalate its fight against Ukraine by targeting Kyiv in retaliation for any strikes on Russian soil.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

Amid the war with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Putin's regime could use nuclear weapons as the war drags on. "They could do it, I mean they can," Zelensky told a US television network, adding that "all of the world" should be worried.

Amid the war with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Putin's regime could use nuclear weapons as the war drags on. "They could do it, I mean they can," Zelensky told a US television network, adding that "all of the world" should be worried. President Putin had put his nuclear forces on alert just days after launching the attack on February 24 against Ukraine. The Russian president called it a "special military operation" while launching the invasion against Ukraine. Also Read in Pics: How Harpoon anti-ship missiles in Ukraine's arsenal can disbalance Russia "Chemical weapons, they should do it, they could do it, for them the life of the people, nothing, that's why," Ukraine's president told the television channel. CIA director William Burns added that US President Biden is "deeply concerned about avoiding a third world war, about avoiding a threshold in which nuclear conflict becomes possible." Watch: Russia threatens more attacks against Kyiv Meanwhile, reports said Russia's missile cruiser sank in the Black Sea as Ukraine claimed it was due to a missile strike by its forces. However, the Russian defence ministry said the sinking was due to an explosion of ammunition in the warship due to which the ship lost its balance. Also Read in Pics: Russia-Ukraine war: Antonov AN-225, world's largest plane, in tatters However, Ukraine said it had hit the ship with its Neptune cruise missile. US officials were however unable to verify the claims. The ship was reportedly instrumental in the blockade of Mariupol where Russian forces have carried out bombardment for weeks. Amid the fighting. Russia threatened to escalate its fight against Ukraine by targeting Kyiv in retaliation for any strikes on Russian soil. (With inputs from Agencies)

After Russian ship sinks, Zelensky warns Putin's regime could use nuclear weapons

Russia claimed over 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers have&nbsp;surrendered in Mariupol as fighting continues in the city.

Russian forces have been shelling Mariupol for weeks with the city low on food, water and electricity. The development comes as Russian forces were seen reinforcing around the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-harpoon-anti-ship-missiles-in-ukraines-arsenal-can-disbalance-russia-in-black-sea-region-470481">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;How Harpoon anti-ship missiles in Ukraine's arsenal can disbalance Russia&nbsp;</a>

In a post earlier Ukraine's forces had said: "It is likely that in the future the enemy will try to take control of the city of Mariupol, capture Popasna and launch an offensive in the direction of Kurakhove in order to reach the administrative borders of Donetsk region."

Ukrainian forces said they were defending the city as the country's land forces claimed the "connection with the units of the defence forces that heroically hold the city is stable and maintained".

Watch:&nbsp;Russia accused of using phosphorus bombs in Ukraine. What are these?

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Amid the fighting in Mariupol, President Zelensky pleaded for more weapons from the West to "unblock Mariupol" as he claimed that Russian forces had "completely destroyed Mariupol and burned it to ashes".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/satellite-images-show-civilian-deaths-in-ukraines-bucha-street-468514">In Pics:&nbsp;Satellite images show civilian deaths in Ukraine's Bucha street</a>

On April 8, a large column of Russian armoured vehicles was picked up by satellite photos near the town of Izyum as Pentagon claimed Putin's forces were reinforcing around the Donbas region.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia claimed over 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers have surrendered in Mariupol as fighting continues in the city. Russian forces have been shelling Mariupol for weeks with the city low on food, water and electricity.

Russia claimed over 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers have surrendered in Mariupol as fighting continues in the city. Russian forces have been shelling Mariupol for weeks with the city low on food, water and electricity. The development comes as Russian forces were seen reinforcing around the Donbas in eastern Ukraine. Also Read in Pics: How Harpoon anti-ship missiles in Ukraine's arsenal can disbalance Russia In a post earlier Ukraine's forces had said: "It is likely that in the future the enemy will try to take control of the city of Mariupol, capture Popasna and launch an offensive in the direction of Kurakhove in order to reach the administrative borders of Donetsk region." Ukrainian forces said they were defending the city as the country's land forces claimed the "connection with the units of the defence forces that heroically hold the city is stable and maintained". Watch: Russia accused of using phosphorus bombs in Ukraine. What are these? Amid the fighting in Mariupol, President Zelensky pleaded for more weapons from the West to "unblock Mariupol" as he claimed that Russian forces had "completely destroyed Mariupol and burned it to ashes". In Pics: Satellite images show civilian deaths in Ukraine's Bucha street On April 8, a large column of Russian armoured vehicles was picked up by satellite photos near the town of Izyum as Pentagon claimed Putin's forces were reinforcing around the Donbas region. (With inputs from Agencies)

Over 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers have surrendered in Mariupol, claims Russia

Pentagon said Russian forces were amassed in Donbas region but hadn't launched an offensive as yet amid indications of renewed fighting in the area.

Pentagon said Russian troops have been&nbsp; "repositioning" and "refocusing" in Donbas located in eastern Ukraine with 
Russian military convoy observed heading towards Izyum.

The convoy included personnel-carrying vehicles as well as armoured vehicles including artillery, it added. Ukraine has been fighting against Donbas separatists backed by Russia since 2014.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/aerorozvidka-how-ukraines-elite-it-force-halted-russias-long-mechanised-brigade-eyeing-kyiv-467687">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;How Ukraine's elite IT force halted Russia's brigade eyeing Kyiv</a>

Meanwhile, reports claim Russia is poised to take Mariupol after weeks of bombing offensive as French investigators arrived in Ukraine to probe suspected war crimes.

Ukraine's military said its ammunition is running out. The 36th marine brigade of the Ukrainian forces in a Facebook post said: "It is death for some of us, and captivity for the rest." The brigade informed that it has been encircled and surrounded by Russian forces.

Watch:&nbsp;Putin appoints new General to lead Ukraine war. Is Kremlin changing its strategy?

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky while addressing South Korea's National Assembly said: "At least tens of thousands of Mariupol citizens must have been killed." &nbsp;

Russian forces had struck Kharkiv over the weekend with missile strikes as it destroyed Dnipro airport.

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Amid the fighting, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer visited President Putin outside Moscow and informed him of the "serious war crimes in Bucha and other locations" as he informed that the Russian president had&nbsp;"massively entered into a logic of war" with chances of diplomacy being low.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Pentagon said Russian forces were amassed in Donbas region but hadn't launched an offensive as yet amid indications of renewed fighting in the area. Pentagon said Russian troops have been "repositioning" and "refocusing" in Donbas located in eastern Ukraine with Russian military convoy observed heading towards Izyum.

Pentagon said Russian forces were amassed in Donbas region but hadn't launched an offensive as yet amid indications of renewed fighting in the area. Pentagon said Russian troops have been "repositioning" and "refocusing" in Donbas located in eastern Ukraine with Russian military convoy observed heading towards Izyum. The convoy included personnel-carrying vehicles as well as armoured vehicles including artillery, it added. Ukraine has been fighting against Donbas separatists backed by Russia since 2014. Also Read in Pics: How Ukraine's elite IT force halted Russia's brigade eyeing Kyiv Meanwhile, reports claim Russia is poised to take Mariupol after weeks of bombing offensive as French investigators arrived in Ukraine to probe suspected war crimes. Ukraine's military said its ammunition is running out. The 36th marine brigade of the Ukrainian forces in a Facebook post said: "It is death for some of us, and captivity for the rest." The brigade informed that it has been encircled and surrounded by Russian forces. Watch: Putin appoints new General to lead Ukraine war. Is Kremlin changing its strategy? Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky while addressing South Korea's National Assembly said: "At least tens of thousands of Mariupol citizens must have been killed." Russian forces had struck Kharkiv over the weekend with missile strikes as it destroyed Dnipro airport. Also Read in Pics: Russia-Ukraine war: Antonov AN-225, world's largest plane, in tatters Amid the fighting, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer visited President Putin outside Moscow and informed him of the "serious war crimes in Bucha and other locations" as he informed that the Russian president had "massively entered into a logic of war" with chances of diplomacy being low. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Death for some': Russian forces surround Mariupol

After over a month of relentless bombardment and an assault which left the city of Mariupol completely destroyed, Russian forces are on the brink of capturing the city completely. Ukrainian forces in Mariupol have posted on Facebook that they were completely surrounded by Russian troops.

Russia poised to take Mariupol, where is military aid pledged by US, NATO?

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (April 6) accused Russia of hiding evidence related to "thousands" of people killed in Mariupol in an attempt to block humanitarian access to the besieged port city. As quoted by news agency AFP citing Turkish media outlet Haberturk TV, Zelensky said: "The reason why we cannot get into Mariupol with the humanitarian cargo is precisely because they are afraid... that the world will see what is going on there." "I think it's a tragedy there, it's hell, I know that it's not tens, but thousands of people, different people, who have been killed there and thousands wounded," Zelensky added. ALSO READ | How Ukraine war took toll on comedian-turned unlikely war president Volodymyr Zelensky Reports have mentioned that residents in Mariupol waited in long queues on Tuesday (April 5) to receive deliveries of humanitarian aid. But Zelensky said Russia is not revealing evidence of thousands of people killed, however, he expressed confidence that Russia would not succeed in concealing all the proof. During his conversation with Turkish TV, Zelensky said, "They will not be able to hide all of this and bury all of these Ukrainians who died and who are injured. It's just such a number, it's thousands of people, it's impossible to hide." ALSO READ | Who are Katerina and Maria, the Russian President's daughters hit by US sanctions? Mariupol — the southern Ukrainian port city, that emerged to be strategically crucial, has been the centre of fierce fighting between Russia and Ukraine. On being asked about continuing peace talks with Russia, Zelensky said "they will have to take place anyway. I think it is difficult to stop this war without it." He added that he had a tough time bringing himself to continue talks with Moscow "because we understand who we are dealing with". WATCH | The US sanctions Putin's adult children amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine × (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia hiding 'thousands' killed in Mariupol

Cities in Ukraine are bearing the brunt of the Russia-Ukraine war. Cities that were once tourist attractions have turned into war zones and rubble. Cities including the capital Kyiv, have been damaged. Destruction, dead bodies, and silence occupy the streets of some of the cities including Bucha, Kharkiv, Mariupol, and Odessa. Will these cities come back to life? War in Ukraine but at what cost?

Ukrainian cities: Before & after the war - Kyiv, Bucha, Mariupol & others

Destroyed buildings & damaged cars - what’s left in Mariupol is rubble & dust. Russian troops bombed civilian areas in Mariupol and several people fled the port city. Now, some people are returning and finding their homes reduced to rubble.

'Nowhere to live here': Mariupol residents return to destroyed homes | Ukraine

Ukraine on Sunday warned that fighting around Mariupol, the southern port city in Ukraine may increase in coming days. The warning has come after Moscow said that it was focussing military resources to capture the Donbas region in the east.

"This means a potential or sharp deterioration around Mariupol," an adviser to the head of the President's office, Oleksiy Arestovich, said in a video statement.

He was referring to a surprise Russian statement on Friday that it was time for Moscow to set as its "main goal" controlling Donbas, an eastern region already partly held by Russian proxies.

"This gives us hope in the area of Kyiv, Chernigiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions, that we will drive the enemy out of here," Arestovich said, referring to north and eastern regions.

He also said that Ukrainian forces were counterattacking the Russian forces in these areas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine on February 24 with the aim of defending pro-Moscow separatists to and "demilitarise and de-nazify" the country.

The Russian announcement on Friday would amount to a sharp change of course with much limited goals that would not include an assault on the capital.

Moscow's month-long invasion on its pro-democracy neighbour has largely stalled with no major recent advances and Ukrainian forces even able to counterattack in places.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine on Sunday warned that fighting around Mariupol, the southern port city in Ukraine may increase in coming days. The warning has come after Moscow said that it was focussing military resources to capture the Donbas region in the east.

Ukraine on Sunday warned that fighting around Mariupol, the southern port city in Ukraine may increase in coming days. The warning has come after Moscow said that it was focussing military resources to capture the Donbas region in the east. "This means a potential or sharp deterioration around Mariupol," an adviser to the head of the President's office, Oleksiy Arestovich, said in a video statement. He was referring to a surprise Russian statement on Friday that it was time for Moscow to set as its "main goal" controlling Donbas, an eastern region already partly held by Russian proxies. "This gives us hope in the area of Kyiv, Chernigiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions, that we will drive the enemy out of here," Arestovich said, referring to north and eastern regions. He also said that Ukrainian forces were counterattacking the Russian forces in these areas. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine on February 24 with the aim of defending pro-Moscow separatists to and "demilitarise and de-nazify" the country. The Russian announcement on Friday would amount to a sharp change of course with much limited goals that would not include an assault on the capital. Moscow's month-long invasion on its pro-democracy neighbour has largely stalled with no major recent advances and Ukrainian forces even able to counterattack in places. (With inputs from agencies)

Increase in fighting around Mariupol possible, Ukraine warns

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Officials in Mariupol, a strategic port city, said Friday they fear 300 people died in last week's Russian strike on a theatre where hundreds of people were sheltering.

"From eyewitnesses, information is emerging that about 300 people died in the Drama Theatre of Mariupol following strikes by a Russian aircraft," Mariupol City Hall wrote on Telegram.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-month-of-russia-ukraine-conflict-here-are-the-top-10-developments-465411">One month of Russia-Ukraine conflict: Here are the top 10 developments</a>

In the aftermath of last week's strike, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the press that hundreds of people had taken cover in the building. It is believed most were women and children.

City officials in Mariupol said Friday that the theatre was destroyed in what they called a "cynical" attack, adding that Russia was aware civilians were inside the building.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-officials-say-mariupol-art-school-used-as-shelter-bombed-by-russians-463947">Ukraine: Officials say Mariupol art school used as shelter bombed by Russians</a>

The leader of Chechnya, a Russian republic in the south, said Thursday that forces from his region had taken control of Mariupol City Hall and raised the Russian flag.

The port city of Mariupol has been shelled relentlessly by Russian forces. According to the city council, 30,000 people have been able to flee so far, but 350,000 people are still trapped in the city.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 1 month of Ukraine invasion: More bluster from NATO 
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A satellite photo taken earlier this week shows a large building with a red roof and "DETI" the Russian word for "children" painted in large white letters on the tarmac to the front and the back of it.

Physical damage to Mariupol has been described as "enormous" by the city council. A report estimated that about 80 per cent of the city's homes had been destroyed and that almost 30 per cent could not be repaired.

As per President Zelensky, almost 100,000 people remain trapped without food, water, or power in the besieged city and are subjected to fierce shelling by Russian forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Officials in Mariupol, a strategic port city, said Friday they fear 300 people died in last week's Russian strike on a theatre where hundreds of people were sheltering. "From eyewitnesses, information is emerging that about 300 people died in the Drama Theatre of Mariupol following strikes by a Russian aircraft," Mariupol City Hall wrote on Telegram. Also read | One month of Russia-Ukraine conflict: Here are the top 10 developments In the aftermath of last week's strike, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the press that hundreds of people had taken cover in the building. It is believed most were women and children. City officials in Mariupol said Friday that the theatre was destroyed in what they called a "cynical" attack, adding that Russia was aware civilians were inside the building. Also read | Ukraine: Officials say Mariupol art school used as shelter bombed by Russians The leader of Chechnya, a Russian republic in the south, said Thursday that forces from his region had taken control of Mariupol City Hall and raised the Russian flag. The port city of Mariupol has been shelled relentlessly by Russian forces. According to the city council, 30,000 people have been able to flee so far, but 350,000 people are still trapped in the city. Watch | Gravitas: 1 month of Ukraine invasion: More bluster from NATO A satellite photo taken earlier this week shows a large building with a red roof and "DETI" the Russian word for "children" painted in large white letters on the tarmac to the front and the back of it. Physical damage to Mariupol has been described as "enormous" by the city council. A report estimated that about 80 per cent of the city's homes had been destroyed and that almost 30 per cent could not be repaired. As per President Zelensky, almost 100,000 people remain trapped without food, water, or power in the besieged city and are subjected to fierce shelling by Russian forces. (With inputs from agencies)

Mariupol theater attack may have claimed 300 lives, mostly women and children: City Hall

It's been almost a month since Russia started its invasion of Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin ordered so-called special "military operations" in the neighbouring country to "demilitarise" it.

It's been almost a month since Russia started its invasion of Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin ordered so-called special "military operations" in the neighbouring country to "demilitarise" it. But little did he know about the resistance of Ukraine, which defied all expectations and tried to block Russian forces. Nearly a month after the Russian invasion, its forces have continued heavy bombings and shelling that have caused massive damage to the cities. One of those cities is Mariupol. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said almost 100,000 people are trapped by Russian bombardment and facing starvation in the ruins of Mariupol. According to Human Rights Watch, tens of thousands of residents have already fled the besieged southern port city, leaving it to be the "freezing hellscape riddled with dead bodies and destroyed buildings". ALSO READ | Amid Ukraine invasion, Russia intensifies crackdown on media For Ukrainians besieged in Mariupol and other cities, Russian talk of peace rings hollow as they come under indiscriminate shelling that Western countries say amounts to a war crime. "Failing in their war against the Ukrainian people, the enemy is executing the total destruction of critical infrastructure," Ukraine's armed forces command said on Facebook. Satellite images of Mariupol released by private company Maxar showed a charred landscape, with several buildings ablaze and smoke billowing from the city. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said, "Even if Mariupol falls, Ukraine cannot be conquered city by city, street by street, house by house. This war is unwinnable. Sooner or later, it will have to move from the battlefield to the peace table. That is inevitable." ALSO READ | US sending secretly acquired Soviet defence equipment to Ukraine: Report What makes Mariupol strategically important for Putin? Land bridge: Mariupol is a pivotal target in Putin's war - providing a land bridge between Russian forces in Crimea to the southwest and Russian-controlled territory to the north and east. As per a BBC report, General Sir Richard Barrons, who is a former commander of UK Joint Forces Command, said that capturing Mariupol is vital to Russia's war effort. Barrons said, "When the Russians feel they have successfully concluded that battle, they will have completed a land bridge from Russia to Crimea and they will see this as a major strategic success." Economy: Mariupol is an important port on the Sea of Azov, part of the Black Sea. BBC report stated that it is the biggest port in the Azov Sea region, which is home to major iron and steelworks. If Russia occupies it, it will cause massive harm to Ukraine's economy as it is a key export hub for Ukraine's steel, coal and corn. The port exports to customers in the Middle East and other parts of the world. WATCH | Explained: Why Mariupol is important for Russia? × (With inputs from agencies)

Mariupol: What makes this port city strategically important to Russia?

Russian invasion of Ukraine has now entered the 28th day. Mariupol has turned into 'ashes of the dead', however Russian forces are continuously attacking the city.

Russian forces shell humanitarian corridors, Mariupol under continuous attack

Nearly a month since Russian invasion began, the city of Mariupol one one the focus target of Russian assault has been devastated by Russian army. Once a bustling port city, it is now being described as hell.

Ukraine crisis: Mariupol under continuous attack, civilians trapped without food and water

As Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities, Mariupol has been under constant bombarding with civilian casualties rising and thousands fleeing the port city.

Explained: Why Mariupol is important for Russia?

Almost 100,000 people are trapped among the ruins of the Ukrainian city of&nbsp;Mariupol, facing starvation, thirst and relentless Russian bombardment, President Volodymyr Zelensky said as the UN sharpened demands for Moscow to end its "absurd" and "unwinnable" war.

Tens of thousands of residents have already fled the besieged southern port city, bringing harrowing testimony of a "freezing hellscape riddled with dead bodies and destroyed buildings", according to Human Rights Watch.

In his latest video address Tuesday, Zelensky said more than 7,000 people had escaped in the last 24 hours alone, but one group travelling along an agreed humanitarian route west of the city were "simply captured by the occupiers."

He warned that many thousands more were unable to leave as the humanitarian situation worsens.

"Today, the city still has nearly 100,000 people in inhumane conditions. In a total siege. Without food, water, medication, under constant shelling and under constant bombing," he said, renewing calls for Russia to allow&nbsp;safe humanitarian corridors for civilians to escape.

Satellite images of&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;released by private company Maxar showed a charred landscape, with several buildings ablaze and smoke billowing from the city.

The Pentagon has said Russia is now pummelling&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;using artillery, long-range missiles and from naval ships deployed in the nearby Sea of Azov.

Local Ukrainian forces also report "heavy" ground fighting with Russian "infantry storming the city" after they rejected a Monday ultimatum to surrender.

UN relief agencies estimate there have been around 20,000 civilian casualties in the city, and perhaps 3,000 killed, but they stress "the actual figure remains unknown."

Mariupol's former mayor&nbsp;Sergiy Taruta vowed the city would never forgive Russia's siege.&nbsp;

"There will never be enough rage. There will never be enough revenge. There will never be enough retribution," he said in a Facebook post.&nbsp;

"For all the lives taken, the fates broken, for all the children killed, tears and suffering, each of the occupiers will never be at peace."

The almost month-long siege of&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;has brought ever-harsher international condemnation.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for Russia to end its "absurd war."

"Even if&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;falls, Ukraine cannot be conquered city by city, street by street, house by house," he said.

"This war is unwinnable.&nbsp;Sooner or later, it will have to move from the battlefield to the peace table. That is inevitable."

Mariupol&nbsp;is a pivotal target in President Vladimir Putin's war -- providing a land bridge between Russian forces in Crimea to the southwest and Russian-controlled territory to the north and east.

'We live here'&nbsp;

As US President Joe Biden readied to visit allies in Europe, he warned that with Russia's offensive stalling, Putin was considering using chemical and biological weapons.&nbsp;

"Now Putin's back is against the wall," Biden said. "And the more his back is against the wall, the greater the severity of the tactics he may employ."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that Russia would use nuclear weapons if under "existential threat."&nbsp;

Biden is due to travel to Brussels on Thursday for a series of summits gathering NATO, EU and G7 leaders, before heading to Poland, which has received the bulk of more than 3.5 million Ukrainians fleeing war in their country.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the United States would consult with allies about Russia's G20 membership.

"We believe that it cannot be business as usual for Russia in international institutions and in the international community," he&nbsp;told a press briefing Tuesday.

Washington has also not observed any Chinese arms shipments to Russia since Biden held a call with President Xi Jinping last week in which he raised concerns about Beijing's support for Moscow, Sullivan said.

"We have not seen... the provision of military equipment by China to Russia. But of course, this is something we are monitoring closely," he said.

On the ground, Russia's defence ministry has reported some advances in the southeast of Ukraine and boasted of strikes against "military infrastructure" across the country.

But Ukraine and its allies have claimed Russian forces are severely depleted, poorly supplied and still unable to carry out complex operations.

In the face of intense Ukrainian resistance, the Pentagon believes as much as 10 percent of Russian forces committed to Ukraine may have been knocked out of the war in just four weeks of fighting.

Ukraine's army command said it believes Russian troops now had enough ammunition, food and fuel to last just three days and there are reports of hundreds of Russian soldiers defecting.

For the first time, there are signs that Ukrainian forces are going on the offensive, retaking a town near Kyiv and attacking Russian forces in the south of the country.

In the southern city of Mykolaiv, one bulwark of the fierce fightback, residents said they were determined to stay and defend it despite incessant bombardment.

At the burial of soldier Igor Dundukov, 46, his brother Sergei wept as he kissed his sibling's swollen, blood-stained face.&nbsp;

"We supported his commitment to defending our homeland," Sergei told AFP. "This is our land. We live here. Where would we run to? We grew up here."

Amid the bloodshed, Moscow and Kyiv have begun holding peace negotiations remotely after in-person talks between delegations meeting on the border of Belarus and Ukraine made little progress.

Russia has said it wants "more substantial" discussion and Zelensky has said all issues would be on the table if Putin agreed to direct talks.

More sanctions

Since Russia launched its invasion on February 24, at least 117 children have been killed in the war, Ukraine's federal prosecutor said.

Some 548 schools have been damaged and 72 destroyed.

Russia has pushed on with its assaults, in the face of unprecedented Western sanctions that have led international companies to pull out of the country.

More sanctions against Russia and tightening of existing measures will be announced Thursday when Biden meets European allies in Brussels.

In the capital Kyiv, a 35-hour curfew came into effect from Monday evening after Russian strikes laid waste to the Retroville shopping complex, killing at least eight people.

Russia claimed the mall was being used to store rocket systems and ammunition.

With businesses closed and residents told to stay home, Kyiv was a ghost town Tuesday, with air sirens and the distant sound of explosions regularly punching through the silence.

Maxim Kostetskyi, 29, a lawyer, said residents were using the "pause" imposed by the lockdown to regroup.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Putin plans to attend G20 Summit

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Almost 100,000 people are trapped among the ruins of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, facing starvation, thirst and relentless Russian bombardment, President Volodymyr Zelensky said as the UN sharpened demands for Moscow to end its "absurd" and "unwinnable" war.

Almost 100,000 people are trapped among the ruins of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, facing starvation, thirst and relentless Russian bombardment, President Volodymyr Zelensky said as the UN sharpened demands for Moscow to end its "absurd" and "unwinnable" war. Tens of thousands of residents have already fled the besieged southern port city, bringing harrowing testimony of a "freezing hellscape riddled with dead bodies and destroyed buildings", according to Human Rights Watch. In his latest video address Tuesday, Zelensky said more than 7,000 people had escaped in the last 24 hours alone, but one group travelling along an agreed humanitarian route west of the city were "simply captured by the occupiers." He warned that many thousands more were unable to leave as the humanitarian situation worsens. "Today, the city still has nearly 100,000 people in inhumane conditions. In a total siege. Without food, water, medication, under constant shelling and under constant bombing," he said, renewing calls for Russia to allow safe humanitarian corridors for civilians to escape. Satellite images of Mariupol released by private company Maxar showed a charred landscape, with several buildings ablaze and smoke billowing from the city. The Pentagon has said Russia is now pummelling Mariupol using artillery, long-range missiles and from naval ships deployed in the nearby Sea of Azov. Local Ukrainian forces also report "heavy" ground fighting with Russian "infantry storming the city" after they rejected a Monday ultimatum to surrender. UN relief agencies estimate there have been around 20,000 civilian casualties in the city, and perhaps 3,000 killed, but they stress "the actual figure remains unknown." Mariupol's former mayor Sergiy Taruta vowed the city would never forgive Russia's siege. "There will never be enough rage. There will never be enough revenge. There will never be enough retribution," he said in a Facebook post. "For all the lives taken, the fates broken, for all the children killed, tears and suffering, each of the occupiers will never be at peace." The almost month-long siege of Mariupol has brought ever-harsher international condemnation. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for Russia to end its "absurd war." "Even if Mariupol falls, Ukraine cannot be conquered city by city, street by street, house by house," he said. "This war is unwinnable. Sooner or later, it will have to move from the battlefield to the peace table. That is inevitable." Mariupol is a pivotal target in President Vladimir Putin's war -- providing a land bridge between Russian forces in Crimea to the southwest and Russian-controlled territory to the north and east. 'We live here' As US President Joe Biden readied to visit allies in Europe, he warned that with Russia's offensive stalling, Putin was considering using chemical and biological weapons. "Now Putin's back is against the wall," Biden said. "And the more his back is against the wall, the greater the severity of the tactics he may employ." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that Russia would use nuclear weapons if under "existential threat." Biden is due to travel to Brussels on Thursday for a series of summits gathering NATO, EU and G7 leaders, before heading to Poland, which has received the bulk of more than 3.5 million Ukrainians fleeing war in their country. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the United States would consult with allies about Russia's G20 membership. "We believe that it cannot be business as usual for Russia in international institutions and in the international community," he told a press briefing Tuesday. Washington has also not observed any Chinese arms shipments to Russia since Biden held a call with President Xi Jinping last week in which he raised concerns about Beijing's support for Moscow, Sullivan said. "We have not seen... the provision of military equipment by China to Russia. But of course, this is something we are monitoring closely," he said. On the ground, Russia's defence ministry has reported some advances in the southeast of Ukraine and boasted of strikes against "military infrastructure" across the country. But Ukraine and its allies have claimed Russian forces are severely depleted, poorly supplied and still unable to carry out complex operations. In the face of intense Ukrainian resistance, the Pentagon believes as much as 10 percent of Russian forces committed to Ukraine may have been knocked out of the war in just four weeks of fighting. Ukraine's army command said it believes Russian troops now had enough ammunition, food and fuel to last just three days and there are reports of hundreds of Russian soldiers defecting. For the first time, there are signs that Ukrainian forces are going on the offensive, retaking a town near Kyiv and attacking Russian forces in the south of the country. In the southern city of Mykolaiv, one bulwark of the fierce fightback, residents said they were determined to stay and defend it despite incessant bombardment. At the burial of soldier Igor Dundukov, 46, his brother Sergei wept as he kissed his sibling's swollen, blood-stained face. "We supported his commitment to defending our homeland," Sergei told AFP. "This is our land. We live here. Where would we run to? We grew up here." Amid the bloodshed, Moscow and Kyiv have begun holding peace negotiations remotely after in-person talks between delegations meeting on the border of Belarus and Ukraine made little progress. Russia has said it wants "more substantial" discussion and Zelensky has said all issues would be on the table if Putin agreed to direct talks. More sanctions Since Russia launched its invasion on February 24, at least 117 children have been killed in the war, Ukraine's federal prosecutor said. Some 548 schools have been damaged and 72 destroyed. Russia has pushed on with its assaults, in the face of unprecedented Western sanctions that have led international companies to pull out of the country. More sanctions against Russia and tightening of existing measures will be announced Thursday when Biden meets European allies in Brussels. In the capital Kyiv, a 35-hour curfew came into effect from Monday evening after Russian strikes laid waste to the Retroville shopping complex, killing at least eight people. Russia claimed the mall was being used to store rocket systems and ammunition. With businesses closed and residents told to stay home, Kyiv was a ghost town Tuesday, with air sirens and the distant sound of explosions regularly punching through the silence. Maxim Kostetskyi, 29, a lawyer, said residents were using the "pause" imposed by the lockdown to regroup. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Putin plans to attend G20 Summit ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: 'Hellscape' in Mariupol where 100,000 trapped

Mariupol is currently going through a tough time, which is filled with horror and confusion. &nbsp;

As the port city in eastern Ukraine is witnessing heaviest bombardment by Russian forces, it is burying its dead in makeshift graves by the roadside. &nbsp;

Several people have either died due to bombing while others have succumbed to ailments, which have been exacerbated by the huge stress in the last few weeks on being unable to get medical help. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/demoralised-russian-troops-shoot-selves-with-ukrainian-ammo-in-legs-to-avoid-fighting-say-reports-463966" hreflang="en">Demoralised? Russian troops shoot selves with Ukrainian ammo in legs to avoid fighting, say reports</a>

Many bodies are still&nbsp;lying covered in dirty blankets in the city. &nbsp;

Although the Ukraine's military has advised people to store the dead bodies in cold basements, these facilities are already filled with people, who are sheltering from Russian shelling. &nbsp;

In the basements, it seems the lack of physical activity, stress and cold are also killing people.

Andrei, a man who was burying dead neighbours in graves on roadside, said, "I hope there will be some sort of a reburial and this is just temporary." &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-is-safe-czech-zoo-names-newborn-eastern-black-rhino-after-ukrainian-capital-to-show-support-463980" hreflang="en">Kyiv is safe: Czech zoo names newborn eastern black rhino after Ukrainian capital to show support</a>

Around 400,000 people are trapped in the strategic port city on the Sea of Azov for over two weeks. These residents have little access to food, water, heating or electricity, said local authorities. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Saturday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russia's siege of Mariupol was "a terror that will be remembered for centuries to come". &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Mariupol is currently going through a tough time, which is filled with horror and confusion. As the port city in eastern Ukraine is witnessing heaviest bombardment by Russian forces, it is burying its dead in makeshift graves by the roadside.

Mariupol is currently going through a tough time, which is filled with horror and confusion. As the port city in eastern Ukraine is witnessing heaviest bombardment by Russian forces, it is burying its dead in makeshift graves by the roadside. Several people have either died due to bombing while others have succumbed to ailments, which have been exacerbated by the huge stress in the last few weeks on being unable to get medical help. Also Read: Demoralised? Russian troops shoot selves with Ukrainian ammo in legs to avoid fighting, say reports Many bodies are still lying covered in dirty blankets in the city. Although the Ukraine's military has advised people to store the dead bodies in cold basements, these facilities are already filled with people, who are sheltering from Russian shelling. In the basements, it seems the lack of physical activity, stress and cold are also killing people. Andrei, a man who was burying dead neighbours in graves on roadside, said, "I hope there will be some sort of a reburial and this is just temporary." Also Read | Kyiv is safe: Czech zoo names newborn eastern black rhino after Ukrainian capital to show support Around 400,000 people are trapped in the strategic port city on the Sea of Azov for over two weeks. These residents have little access to food, water, heating or electricity, said local authorities. On Saturday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russia's siege of Mariupol was "a terror that will be remembered for centuries to come". (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine War: As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside in makeshift graves

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