'Over 2,500 civilians have been killed in Russian army attacks on the besieged city of Mariupol, Ukraine', said Oleksiy Arestovych, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Over 2,500 civilians killed in Russian attacks on Mariupol

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. Russia continues to intensify the invasion of Ukraine with increased shelling and airstrikes. On Thursday (March 17), US and Ukrainian officials have said that Russian forces killed civilians waiting in line for bread and sheltering in a theatre in the besieged port city of Mariupol. Mariupol city authorities said in a statement on Telegram, "Russia purposefully destroyed the Drama Theatre, where hundreds of people are hiding." The foreign ministry of Ukraine said that Russian forces dropped a powerful bomb on a theatre. The bombing left many civilians trapped and an unknown number of casualties. ALSO READ | US cancels license of China-owned telecom company As per a photo released by officials of the theatre building, the middle part can be seen completely destroyed. A cloud of thick white smoke can be seen rising from the rubble. The bomb was apparently dropped on the building from an airplane. As per the satellite images of the theatre taken on March 14, the word "children" was clearly etched out in the ground in Russian on either side of the building. The satellite images were released by private satellite company Maxar The official statement read: "It is impossible to find words to describe the level of cynicism and cruelty, with which Russian invaders are destroying peaceful residents of a Ukrainian city by the sea." ALSO READ | US Secret Service says 'involuntary celebate' men are a rising threat This Maxar satellite image released on March 16, 2022, shows the Mariupol Drama Theater in Mariupol, Ukraine, on March 14, 2022. BBC reported citing the deputy mayor Sergei Orlov that around 1,000 people had sought refuge in the building, however, the number of casualties could not be confirmed. Local authorities say at least 2,400 people have been killed in Mariupol since the start of the war. Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry denied that its forces bombed the city on Wednesday and stated the building was destroyed in an explosion set off by Ukraine's nationalist Azov battalion. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba shared before and after images that showed the extent of the destruction. He said, Another horrendous war crime in Mariupol. Massive Russian attack on the Drama Theater where hundreds of innocent civilians were hiding." "The building is now fully ruined. Russians could not have not known this was a civilian shelter. Save Mariupol! Stop Russian war criminals!" he added. Another horrendous war crime in Mariupol. Massive Russian attack on the Drama Theater where hundreds of innocent civilians were hiding. The building is now fully ruined. Russians could not have not known this was a civilian shelter. Save Mariupol! Stop Russian war criminals! pic.twitter.com/bIQLxe7mli — Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) March 16, 2022 × WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine war triggers global food crisis ×

Ukraine under attack: Russia attacks Mariupol theatre sheltering 'hundreds' of civilians - see satellite image

Ukraine’s interior ministry advisor Vadym Denysenko said on Wednesday that around 20,000 civilians have successfully left the city of Mariupol in private cars. <o:p></o:p>

The residents of the port city were trapped without electricity and running water for the past two weeks due to heavy shelling from the Russian forces and were in need of urgent evacuation, according to the Ukrainian officials.<o:p></o:p>

Of these cars, 570 have arrived in the city of Zaporizhzhia to the northwest, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's deputy chief of staff Kyrylo Tymoshenko said on Telegram.

<o:p>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/struggling-russia-deploying-more-reinforcements-from-across-country-into-ukraine-uk-intel-462861">&nbsp;</a></o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/struggling-russia-deploying-more-reinforcements-from-across-country-into-ukraine-uk-intel-462861">‘Struggling’ Russia deploying more reinforcements from across country into Ukraine: UK intel</a> <o:p></o:p>

Those in the remaining cars were forced to spend the night along the route, Tymoshenko added.<o:p></o:p>

According to an AFP report, city officials believe that more than 2100 residents have been killed in Mariupol since the beginning of the Russian invasion and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that it was not able to deliver aid to the city amid the ‘dire situation’.<o:p></o:p>

"The bottom line is that hundreds of thousands of people are still suffering," the ICRC said.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fox-news-veteran-war-zone-photographer-ukrainian-journalist-killed-in-ukraine-462764">Fox News veteran war-zone photographer, Ukrainian journalist killed in Ukraine</a>

Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said that altogether, nearly 29,000 people managed to use humanitarian corridor to flee the city on Tuesday.

<o:p></o:p>While Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the talks between the two nations regarding the conclusion of the conflict were becoming "more realistic", Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that there was “some hope for compromise” in his latest interview.<o:p></o:p>

"Neutral status is now being seriously discussed along, of course, with security guarantees," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said told RBC news. "Now this very thing is being discussed in negotiations - there are absolutely specific formulations which in my view are close to an agreement," he added.

<o:p>Watch |&nbsp;</o:p>Russia-Ukraine Conflict: First evacuees from Mariupol reach Zaporizhzhia

&nbsp;

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(With agency inputs)<o:p></o:p>

Ukraine’s interior ministry advisor Vadym Denysenko said on Wednesday that around 20,000 civilians have successfully left the city of Mariupol in private cars. The residents of the port city were trapped without electricity and running water for the past two weeks due to heavy shelling from the Russian forces and were in need of urgent evacuation, according to the Ukrainian officials.

Ukraine’s interior ministry advisor Vadym Denysenko said on Wednesday that around 20,000 civilians have successfully left the city of Mariupol in private cars. The residents of the port city were trapped without electricity and running water for the past two weeks due to heavy shelling from the Russian forces and were in need of urgent evacuation, according to the Ukrainian officials. Of these cars, 570 have arrived in the city of Zaporizhzhia to the northwest, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's deputy chief of staff Kyrylo Tymoshenko said on Telegram. Also read | ‘Struggling’ Russia deploying more reinforcements from across country into Ukraine: UK intel Those in the remaining cars were forced to spend the night along the route, Tymoshenko added. According to an AFP report, city officials believe that more than 2100 residents have been killed in Mariupol since the beginning of the Russian invasion and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that it was not able to deliver aid to the city amid the ‘dire situation’. "The bottom line is that hundreds of thousands of people are still suffering," the ICRC said. Also read | Fox News veteran war-zone photographer, Ukrainian journalist killed in Ukraine Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said that altogether, nearly 29,000 people managed to use humanitarian corridor to flee the city on Tuesday. While Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the talks between the two nations regarding the conclusion of the conflict were becoming "more realistic", Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that there was “some hope for compromise” in his latest interview. "Neutral status is now being seriously discussed along, of course, with security guarantees," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said told RBC news. "Now this very thing is being discussed in negotiations - there are absolutely specific formulations which in my view are close to an agreement," he added. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: First evacuees from Mariupol reach Zaporizhzhia (With agency inputs)

20,000 civilians escape Mariupol through humanitarian corridor in private cars

Now it's day 18 of the Russian invasion and the Russian forces are continuing to pound the port city of Mariupol in the south which is endured some of the worst fighting since Russia invaded.

Mariupol: Satellite images show heavy damage | Day 18 of Russian invasion

More than 2,100 residents of Ukraine's besieged port city of Mariupol have been killed since hostilities began, the local authorities said Sunday.

"As of today, 2,187 Mariupol residents have died from attacks by Russia," the city council posted on Telegram.

It said around 100 aerial bombs have been dropped on the city. The bombing of a maternity and children's hospital wounded 17 on Wednesday and prompted international condemnation.

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The Azov Sea port city of around half a million has been under siege since early this month and is facing what Ukraine and aid agencies call a "humanitarian catastrophe", lacking water or heating and running out of food.&nbsp;

"People are in a serious situation for 12 days. There is no electricity, water, or heat in the city, there is almost no mobile communication, and the last supplies of food and water are running out," the local authorities warned.

The authorities said Wednesday that 1,207 civilians had died in the first nine days of the siege of the strategic city. They say around 400,000 people are still trapped in the city.

A convoy of aid headed for Mariupol was blocked at a Russian checkpoint on Saturday, with hopes that it would arrive Sunday.

Turkey has asked Russia to help evacuate its citizens stranded in Mariupol, Ankara's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Sunday.

More than 2,100 residents of Ukraine's besieged port city of Mariupol have been killed since hostilities began, the local authorities said Sunday. "As of today, 2,187 Mariupol residents have died from attacks by Russia," the city council posted on Telegram.

More than 2,100 residents of Ukraine's besieged port city of Mariupol have been killed since hostilities began, the local authorities said Sunday. "As of today, 2,187 Mariupol residents have died from attacks by Russia," the city council posted on Telegram. It said around 100 aerial bombs have been dropped on the city. The bombing of a maternity and children's hospital wounded 17 on Wednesday and prompted international condemnation. The Azov Sea port city of around half a million has been under siege since early this month and is facing what Ukraine and aid agencies call a "humanitarian catastrophe", lacking water or heating and running out of food. "People are in a serious situation for 12 days. There is no electricity, water, or heat in the city, there is almost no mobile communication, and the last supplies of food and water are running out," the local authorities warned. The authorities said Wednesday that 1,207 civilians had died in the first nine days of the siege of the strategic city. They say around 400,000 people are still trapped in the city. A convoy of aid headed for Mariupol was blocked at a Russian checkpoint on Saturday, with hopes that it would arrive Sunday. Turkey has asked Russia to help evacuate its citizens stranded in Mariupol, Ankara's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Sunday.

Ukraine invasion: Over 2,100 Mariupol residents killed since invasion began, says mayor

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.

As the strike at children's hospital in Mariupol was condemned worldwide, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov claimed it was a base for the ultra-radical Azov battalion.

"This maternity hospital has long been occupied by the Azov Battalion and other radicals. They drove out the women in labour, nurses and general staff. It was the base of the ultra-radical Azov battalion," Lavrov said after Mariupol's&nbsp;maternity hospital was attacked.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack a&nbsp;"war crime". The Ukraine President claimed it was a &nbsp;"direct strike by Russian troops" even as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also accused Russia of "war crimes".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-tsar-bomba-worlds-most-powerful-nuclear-weapon-of-mass-destruction-460924">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction</a>

"We're seeing how hospitals are being bombed. They are attacking civil society in an indiscriminate manner, therefore clearly violating human rights and more than likely committing war crimes," PM Pedro Sanchez said.

After the strike&nbsp;was&nbsp;reported on Wednesday, the Kremlin had said it would ask the military for more details. Reports said at least three people were killed, including a young girl after the children's hospital was hit.

Watch:&nbsp;Capital Kyiv turns fortress as families flee

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Mariupol city council said the "Russian forces are destroying Mariupol's civilian population deliberately and without mercy". The city has witnessed heavy bombardment by Russian forces over the past nine days. The city council said at least 1,200 people have been killed amid the Russian siege.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-ukraines-punisher-drone-is-targeting-russian-supply-lines-460230">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;How Ukraine's 'Punisher' drone is targeting Russian supply lines&nbsp;</a>

As the war entered the third week on Thursday, Lavrov said Russia wanted continued dialogue with Ukraine. However, Ukraine's foreign minister Kuleba declared that "Ukraine has not surrendered, does not surrender, and will not surrender" even as reports claimed Russian forces were near capital Kyiv.

President Zelensky said 35,000 civilians had managed to flee cities amid the Russian attack. Several thousand refugees have poured into neighbouring Poland and Romania as the UN said over 2 million people had fled the country.

(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. As the strike at children's hospital in Mariupol was condemned worldwide, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov claimed it was a base for the ultra-radical Azov battalion. "This maternity hospital has long been occupied by the Azov Battalion and other radicals. They drove out the women in labour, nurses and general staff. It was the base of the ultra-radical Azov battalion," Lavrov said after Mariupol's maternity hospital was attacked. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack a "war crime". The Ukraine President claimed it was a "direct strike by Russian troops" even as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also accused Russia of "war crimes". Also Read in Pics: Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction "We're seeing how hospitals are being bombed. They are attacking civil society in an indiscriminate manner, therefore clearly violating human rights and more than likely committing war crimes," PM Pedro Sanchez said. After the strike was reported on Wednesday, the Kremlin had said it would ask the military for more details. Reports said at least three people were killed, including a young girl after the children's hospital was hit. Watch: Capital Kyiv turns fortress as families flee Mariupol city council said the "Russian forces are destroying Mariupol's civilian population deliberately and without mercy". The city has witnessed heavy bombardment by Russian forces over the past nine days. The city council said at least 1,200 people have been killed amid the Russian siege. Also Read in Pics: How Ukraine's 'Punisher' drone is targeting Russian supply lines As the war entered the third week on Thursday, Lavrov said Russia wanted continued dialogue with Ukraine. However, Ukraine's foreign minister Kuleba declared that "Ukraine has not surrendered, does not surrender, and will not surrender" even as reports claimed Russian forces were near capital Kyiv. President Zelensky said 35,000 civilians had managed to flee cities amid the Russian attack. Several thousand refugees have poured into neighbouring Poland and Romania as the UN said over 2 million people had fled the country. (With inputs from Agencies)

Maternity hospital occupied by Azov battalion, claims Russian foreign minister Lavrov after strike

Not a single civilian has been able to leave Mariupol, Russian shelling prevented a humanitarian convoy from reaching the city which is remained under siege since the invasion began. Multiple efforts to evacuate civilians have failed despite humanitarian corridors being established. Russian forces have not stopped bombing the city. Zelensky said efforts to send food, water and medicine to the city failed because Russian tanks attacked humanitarian corridors.

Mariupol city under siege: 400,000 residents trapped in bunkers and basements

In Pics- Russia's 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine children's hospital

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;

As Russia continues to pound Ukraine with missiles, US defence officials have said that Putin's forces are increasingly targeting Ukraine with the so-called "dumb bombs".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-russias-barbaric-attack-on-ukraine-childrens-hospital-460804">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine children's hospital</a>

Reuters quoting US defence officials said Russia has been dropping "dumb munitions" amid&nbsp;"increasing damage to civilian infrastructure and civilian casualties".

Reports say Russian forces have been bombarding Ukranian cities while targeting civilian areas. On Wednesday, Russia hit a maternity hospital in Ukraine's Mariupol amid worldwide criticism.

What are "dumb bombs"?

The dumb bombs are not precision-guided weapons and it does not strike targets with precision leading to civilian casualties. Reports claim Russian aircraft have been flying low over Ukrainian towns while hitting them with "dumb bombs". The bombs most often miss their targets landing in civilian areas.&nbsp;

Has Russia actually used "dumb bombs"?

Amnesty International said a small public square formed by Chernihiv’s Viacheslava Chornovola and Kruhova streets was hit by multiple bombs, killing civilians and severely damaging nearby buildings.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-tsar-bomba-worlds-most-powerful-nuclear-weapon-of-mass-destruction-460924">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction</a>

"Based on new interviews and verification and analysis of video evidence, Amnesty’s crisis response team has concluded the attack was likely to have been a Russian airstrike in which at least eight unguided aerial bombs - so-called “dumb bombs” were used," it said.

Amnesty said the Chernihiv council reported 47 people were killed in the attack including 38 men and nine women. Amnesty added that the majority of people who were hit by the bombs were queuing for food when the missiles hit.

(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. As Russia continues to pound Ukraine with missiles, US defence officials have said that Putin's forces are increasingly targeting Ukraine with the so-called "dumb bombs". Also Read in Pics: Russia's 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine children's hospital Reuters quoting US defence officials said Russia has been dropping "dumb munitions" amid "increasing damage to civilian infrastructure and civilian casualties". Reports say Russian forces have been bombarding Ukranian cities while targeting civilian areas. On Wednesday, Russia hit a maternity hospital in Ukraine's Mariupol amid worldwide criticism. What are "dumb bombs"? The dumb bombs are not precision-guided weapons and it does not strike targets with precision leading to civilian casualties. Reports claim Russian aircraft have been flying low over Ukrainian towns while hitting them with "dumb bombs". The bombs most often miss their targets landing in civilian areas. Has Russia actually used "dumb bombs"? Amnesty International said a small public square formed by Chernihiv’s Viacheslava Chornovola and Kruhova streets was hit by multiple bombs, killing civilians and severely damaging nearby buildings. Also Read in Pics: Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction "Based on new interviews and verification and analysis of video evidence, Amnesty’s crisis response team has concluded the attack was likely to have been a Russian airstrike in which at least eight unguided aerial bombs - so-called “dumb bombs” were used," it said. Amnesty said the Chernihiv council reported 47 people were killed in the attack including 38 men and nine women. Amnesty added that the majority of people who were hit by the bombs were queuing for food when the missiles hit. (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine war: Explainer - Is Russia using 'dumb bombs'?

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.

As reports claim the Russian campaign is being stalled due to the stiff resistance by Ukraine's forces three weeks into the war, Russia's former foreign minister in the 90s, Andrei V Kozyrev in a tweet alleged that although the Kremlin spent 20 years to modernise its military but "much of that budget was stolen and spent on mega-yachts in Cyprus."

"But as a military advisor, you cannot report that to the President. So they reported lies to him instead," Kozyrev said in his tweet.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

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2. Russian military. The Kremlin spent the last 20 years trying to modernize its military. Much of that budget was stolen and spent on mega-yachts in Cyprus. But as a military advisor you cannot report that to the President. So they reported lies to him instead. Potemkin military
— Andrei V Kozyrev (@andreivkozyrev) <a href="https://twitter.com/andreivkozyrev/status/1500611398245634050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-tsar-bomba-worlds-most-powerful-nuclear-weapon-of-mass-destruction-460924">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction</a>

Kozyrev was Russia's foreign minister during Boris Yeltsin's government in the mid-1990s. Kozyrev's criticism comes amid reports of Russian forces carrying out large scale bombing campaign&nbsp;in civilian areas in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Syrians empathise with Ukraine

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"Putin spent the last 20 years believing that Ukraine is not a real nation and, at best, should be a satellite state. Maidan ended any hope of keeping Ukraine independent and pro-Kremlin. He thought the West was behind it," he said while adding, "if Ukraine's government cannot be kept independent and pro-Kremlin covertly, as he likely concluded, then he will overtly force it to be."

Kozyrev said Putin believed "own propagandists that Ukraine is run by a Nazi-Bandera junta. Perfect pretext to “de-Nazify” Ukraine."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-rocket-launchers-target-ukraines-cities-460535">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Grad &amp; Urgan: Russia targets rocket 'hail' on Ukraine's cities</a>

As the war in Ukraine entered the third week on Thursday, Ukraine's city mayor said half of the population of the city had fled. Kyiv's mayor Klitschko added that the capital has been "transformed into a fortress".

On Wednesday, Russian forces carried out strikes on a maternity hospital in Mariupol leading to international condemnation. However, the Russian foreign minister Lavrov claimed the hospital was a base for the "ultra-radical Azov battalion".

(Also Read in Pics)

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. As reports claim the Russian campaign is being stalled due to the stiff resistance by Ukraine's forces three weeks into the war, Russia's former foreign minister in the 90s, Andrei V Kozyrev in a tweet alleged that although the Kremlin spent 20 years to modernise its military but "much of that budget was stolen and spent on mega-yachts in Cyprus." "But as a military advisor, you cannot report that to the President. So they reported lies to him instead," Kozyrev said in his tweet. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. 2. Russian military. The Kremlin spent the last 20 years trying to modernize its military. Much of that budget was stolen and spent on mega-yachts in Cyprus. But as a military advisor you cannot report that to the President. So they reported lies to him instead. Potemkin military — Andrei V Kozyrev (@andreivkozyrev) March 6, 2022 × Also Read in Pics: Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction Kozyrev was Russia's foreign minister during Boris Yeltsin's government in the mid-1990s. Kozyrev's criticism comes amid reports of Russian forces carrying out large scale bombing campaign in civilian areas in Ukraine. Watch: Syrians empathise with Ukraine "Putin spent the last 20 years believing that Ukraine is not a real nation and, at best, should be a satellite state. Maidan ended any hope of keeping Ukraine independent and pro-Kremlin. He thought the West was behind it," he said while adding, "if Ukraine's government cannot be kept independent and pro-Kremlin covertly, as he likely concluded, then he will overtly force it to be." Kozyrev said Putin believed "own propagandists that Ukraine is run by a Nazi-Bandera junta. Perfect pretext to “de-Nazify” Ukraine." Also Read in Pics: Grad & Urgan: Russia targets rocket 'hail' on Ukraine's cities As the war in Ukraine entered the third week on Thursday, Ukraine's city mayor said half of the population of the city had fled. Kyiv's mayor Klitschko added that the capital has been "transformed into a fortress". On Wednesday, Russian forces carried out strikes on a maternity hospital in Mariupol leading to international condemnation. However, the Russian foreign minister Lavrov claimed the hospital was a base for the "ultra-radical Azov battalion". (Also Read in Pics)

Russian military budget spent on buying mega-yachts, alleges ex-foreign minister

Satellite images of Ukraine's port city of Mariupol have emerged and it shows the scale of destruction caused due to the Russian invasion. Mariupol, which was earlier a bustling port city in southern Ukraine, is now full of bombed residential buildings and blasted parks.&nbsp;

The pictures show the damage done to the city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as “ultimate evidence that genocide of Ukrainians is happening.”

His remarks came after the shelling of a maternity hospital.&nbsp;

Ukraine alleged on Wednesday that Russia bombed a children's hospital in the port city. As per Ukraine, the bombing in the besieged city took place during a supposed ceasefire that was meant to facilitate the escape of hundreds of civilians in the city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-war-crimes-what-are-the-rules-of-war-460670">Also read |&nbsp;What are war crimes? What are the rules of war?</a>

The satellite images have been taken by private company Maxar. The images show destroyed shopping complexes and grocery stores.&nbsp;

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March 9, 2022 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/satelliteimagery?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#satelliteimagery</a> taken at 10:16 a.m. local time show grocery stores and shopping malls that have been destroyed in the western section of the Ukrainian city of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mariupol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mariupol</a>. (Location: 47.101, 37.504) <a href="https://t.co/ElRuyu1rYf">pic.twitter.com/ElRuyu1rYf</a>
— Maxar Technologies (@Maxar) <a href="https://twitter.com/Maxar/status/1501630980930609160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In these before and after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/satellite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#satellite</a> images of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mariupol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mariupol</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> you can see destruction of homes and building. The latest imagery is from 10:16 a.m. local time on March 9, 2022. (Location: 47.099, 37.662) <a href="https://t.co/J9eXaPg7gl">pic.twitter.com/J9eXaPg7gl</a>
— Maxar Technologies (@Maxar) <a href="https://twitter.com/Maxar/status/1501631264750805000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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When Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked by Reuters for comment on the reported bombing, he said "Russian forces do not fire on civilian targets."

Earlier Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia had broken the ceasefire around the southern port, which lies between Russian-backed separatist areas of eastern Ukraine and Crimea, annexed by Moscow from Ukraine in 2014.

"Russia continues holding hostage over 400,000 people in Mariupol, blocks humanitarian aid and evacuation. Indiscriminate shelling continues," he wrote on Twitter. "Almost 3,000 newborn babies lack medicine and food."

(With input from agencies)

Satellite images of Ukraine's port city of Mariupol have emerged and it shows the scale of destruction caused due to the Russian invasion. Mariupol, which was earlier a bustling port city in southern Ukraine, is now full of bombed residential buildings and blasted parks.

Satellite images of Ukraine's port city of Mariupol have emerged and it shows the scale of destruction caused due to the Russian invasion. Mariupol, which was earlier a bustling port city in southern Ukraine, is now full of bombed residential buildings and blasted parks. The pictures show the damage done to the city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as “ultimate evidence that genocide of Ukrainians is happening.” His remarks came after the shelling of a maternity hospital. Ukraine alleged on Wednesday that Russia bombed a children's hospital in the port city. As per Ukraine, the bombing in the besieged city took place during a supposed ceasefire that was meant to facilitate the escape of hundreds of civilians in the city. Also read | What are war crimes? What are the rules of war? The satellite images have been taken by private company Maxar. The images show destroyed shopping complexes and grocery stores. March 9, 2022 #satelliteimagery taken at 10:16 a.m. local time show grocery stores and shopping malls that have been destroyed in the western section of the Ukrainian city of #Mariupol. (Location: 47.101, 37.504) pic.twitter.com/ElRuyu1rYf — Maxar Technologies (@Maxar) March 9, 2022 × In these before and after #satellite images of #Mariupol, #Ukraine you can see destruction of homes and building. The latest imagery is from 10:16 a.m. local time on March 9, 2022. (Location: 47.099, 37.662) pic.twitter.com/J9eXaPg7gl — Maxar Technologies (@Maxar) March 9, 2022 × When Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked by Reuters for comment on the reported bombing, he said "Russian forces do not fire on civilian targets." Earlier Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia had broken the ceasefire around the southern port, which lies between Russian-backed separatist areas of eastern Ukraine and Crimea, annexed by Moscow from Ukraine in 2014. "Russia continues holding hostage over 400,000 people in Mariupol, blocks humanitarian aid and evacuation. Indiscriminate shelling continues," he wrote on Twitter. "Almost 3,000 newborn babies lack medicine and food." (With input from agencies)

Watch: Before and after satellite images show destruction in Ukraine's Mariupol

Ukraine alleged on Wednesday that Russia bombed a children's hospital in port city of Mariupol. As per Ukraine, the bombing in the besieged city took place during a supposed ceasefire that was meant to facilitate escape of hundreds thousands of civilions in the city.

Russia had said it would hold fire to let civilians flee Mariupol and other besieged cities on Wednesday. But the city council said the hospital had been hit several times.

"The destruction is colossal," it said in an online post.

President Volodymr Zelenskiy called it an "atrocity".

"Direct strike of Russian troops at the maternity hospital. People, children are under the wreckage," he said on Twitter.

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Mariupol. Direct strike of Russian troops at the maternity hospital. People, children are under the wreckage. Atrocity! How much longer will the world be an accomplice ignoring terror? Close the sky right now! Stop the killings! You have power but you seem to be losing humanity. <a href="https://t.co/FoaNdbKH5k">pic.twitter.com/FoaNdbKH5k</a>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1501579520633102349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, asked by Reuters for comment on the reported bombing, said: "Russian forces do not fire on civilian targets."

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry posted video footage of what appeared to be the badly damaged building of what it said was the children's and maternity hospital.

The footage showed holes where windows should have been in a three-storey building at the hospital, and huge piles of rubble, some of it smouldering. Officials said they did not yet know any casualty figures. The reports could not immediately be verified.

Earlier Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia had broken the ceasefire around the southern port, which lies between Russian-backed separatist areas of eastern Ukraine and Crimea, annexed by Moscow from Ukraine in 2014.

"Russia continues holding hostage over 400,000 people in Mariupol, blocks humanitarian aid and evacuation. Indiscriminate shelling continues," he wrote on Twitter. "Almost 3,000 newborn babies lack medicine and food."

Local officials in other cities said some civilians had left on Wednesday through safe corridors, including out of Sumy in eastern Ukraine and Enerhodar in the south.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine alleged on Wednesday that Russia bombed a children's hospital in port city of Mariupol. As per Ukraine, the bombing in the besieged city took place during a supposed ceasefire that was meant to facilitate escape of hundreds thousands of civilions in the city.

Ukraine alleged on Wednesday that Russia bombed a children's hospital in port city of Mariupol. As per Ukraine, the bombing in the besieged city took place during a supposed ceasefire that was meant to facilitate escape of hundreds thousands of civilions in the city. Russia had said it would hold fire to let civilians flee Mariupol and other besieged cities on Wednesday. But the city council said the hospital had been hit several times. "The destruction is colossal," it said in an online post. President Volodymr Zelenskiy called it an "atrocity". "Direct strike of Russian troops at the maternity hospital. People, children are under the wreckage," he said on Twitter. Mariupol. Direct strike of Russian troops at the maternity hospital. People, children are under the wreckage. Atrocity! How much longer will the world be an accomplice ignoring terror? Close the sky right now! Stop the killings! You have power but you seem to be losing humanity. pic.twitter.com/FoaNdbKH5k — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 9, 2022 × Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, asked by Reuters for comment on the reported bombing, said: "Russian forces do not fire on civilian targets." The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry posted video footage of what appeared to be the badly damaged building of what it said was the children's and maternity hospital. The footage showed holes where windows should have been in a three-storey building at the hospital, and huge piles of rubble, some of it smouldering. Officials said they did not yet know any casualty figures. The reports could not immediately be verified. Earlier Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia had broken the ceasefire around the southern port, which lies between Russian-backed separatist areas of eastern Ukraine and Crimea, annexed by Moscow from Ukraine in 2014. "Russia continues holding hostage over 400,000 people in Mariupol, blocks humanitarian aid and evacuation. Indiscriminate shelling continues," he wrote on Twitter. "Almost 3,000 newborn babies lack medicine and food." Local officials in other cities said some civilians had left on Wednesday through safe corridors, including out of Sumy in eastern Ukraine and Enerhodar in the south. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia bombed children's hospital in Mariupol, alleges Ukraine

Russia announced a new ceasefire in Ukraine on Wednesday to let civilians flee besieged cities, after days of mostly failed promises that have left hundreds of thousands trapped without access to medicine or fresh water.

After air-raid sirens rang out again in Kyiv overnight, the plan was to open safe routes out of five Ukrainian areas including two suburbs of the capital that have been devastated by Russian shelling.

But previous ceasefire efforts have been bedevilled by violations, with Moscow apparently determined to push forward a 14-day-old invasion of its neighbour that has shocked the world.

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The greatest alarm has been sounded over Mariupol, a southern port totally surrounded by Russian troops for more than a week, where the Red Cross has described the situation faced by civilians as "apocalyptic".

Residents there have been sheltering underground from relentless bombardment, unable to evacuate their wounded, and with no access to food, water, power or heat.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-rocket-launchers-target-ukraines-cities-460535" hreflang="en">Russia's rocket launchers target Ukraine's cities</a>

In Kyiv, back-to-back air alerts Wednesday morning urged residents to get to bomb shelters as quickly as possible over fears of incoming Russian missiles. An all-clear was given for each alert soon afterward.

Such alerts are intermittent, keeping people on edge. Kyiv has been relatively quiet in recent days, though Russian artillery has pounded the outskirts.

Kyiv regional administration head Oleksiy Kuleba said the crisis for civilians was growing in the capital, with the situation particularly critical in the city’s suburbs.

“Russia is artificially creating a humanitarian crisis in the Kyiv region, frustrating the evacuation of people and continuing shelling and bombing small communities,” he said.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-does-aftermath-of-russian-invasion-look-like-for-ukraine-459414">What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine?</a>

The UN&nbsp;estimates that more than 2 million people have fled the country. Many more have become trapped inside cities bombarded and encircled by Russian forces, who have seen their advance slowed by fiercer than expected Ukrainian resistance.

Moscow calls its action a "special military operation" to disarm its neighbour and dislodge leaders it calls "neo-Nazis."&nbsp;

Kyiv and its Western allies dismiss that as a baseless pretext for an unprovoked war against a democratic country of 44 million people.

Talks aimed at ending the fighting have so far yielded little, but the foreign ministers from Russia and Ukraine are expected to meet in Turkey on Thursday, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

As Russian forces press their offensive in the south, Ukrainians fear the next big target will be Odessa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port. Residents are preparing to defend the historic city of 1 million, a polyglot centre of culture with wide resonance for Ukrainians and Russians alike.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia announced a new ceasefire in Ukraine on Wednesday to let civilians flee besieged cities, after days of mostly failed promises that have left hundreds of thousands trapped without access to medicine or fresh water.

Russia announced a new ceasefire in Ukraine on Wednesday to let civilians flee besieged cities, after days of mostly failed promises that have left hundreds of thousands trapped without access to medicine or fresh water. After air-raid sirens rang out again in Kyiv overnight, the plan was to open safe routes out of five Ukrainian areas including two suburbs of the capital that have been devastated by Russian shelling. But previous ceasefire efforts have been bedevilled by violations, with Moscow apparently determined to push forward a 14-day-old invasion of its neighbour that has shocked the world. The greatest alarm has been sounded over Mariupol, a southern port totally surrounded by Russian troops for more than a week, where the Red Cross has described the situation faced by civilians as "apocalyptic". Residents there have been sheltering underground from relentless bombardment, unable to evacuate their wounded, and with no access to food, water, power or heat. Also see | Russia's rocket launchers target Ukraine's cities In Kyiv, back-to-back air alerts Wednesday morning urged residents to get to bomb shelters as quickly as possible over fears of incoming Russian missiles. An all-clear was given for each alert soon afterward. Such alerts are intermittent, keeping people on edge. Kyiv has been relatively quiet in recent days, though Russian artillery has pounded the outskirts. Kyiv regional administration head Oleksiy Kuleba said the crisis for civilians was growing in the capital, with the situation particularly critical in the city’s suburbs. “Russia is artificially creating a humanitarian crisis in the Kyiv region, frustrating the evacuation of people and continuing shelling and bombing small communities,” he said. Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? The UN estimates that more than 2 million people have fled the country. Many more have become trapped inside cities bombarded and encircled by Russian forces, who have seen their advance slowed by fiercer than expected Ukrainian resistance. Moscow calls its action a "special military operation" to disarm its neighbour and dislodge leaders it calls "neo-Nazis." Kyiv and its Western allies dismiss that as a baseless pretext for an unprovoked war against a democratic country of 44 million people. Talks aimed at ending the fighting have so far yielded little, but the foreign ministers from Russia and Ukraine are expected to meet in Turkey on Thursday, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. As Russian forces press their offensive in the south, Ukrainians fear the next big target will be Odessa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port. Residents are preparing to defend the historic city of 1 million, a polyglot centre of culture with wide resonance for Ukrainians and Russians alike. (With inputs from agencies)

From intermittent alerts to blaring air raid sirens: Russian pressure keeps Kyiv on edge

Russia and Ukraine traded blame for ceasefire breaches for a second day as a fresh attempt to evacuate Ukraine citizens from port city of Mariupol failed second time. More than 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine after Russia invaded the country on February 24.

The United Nations has already called Ukraine crisis "Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War 2"

Pope Francis on Sunday deplored the "rivers of blood and tears" flowing in Ukraine, as Washington cited "very credible reports" that Russia committed war crimes by deliberately attacking civilians.

Hundreds of civilians have been killed and thousands wounded, with hundreds of thousands of mostly women and children pouring into neighbouring countries such as Poland, Romania or Moldova for refuge.

After the West imposed unprecedented sanctions against businesses, banks and billionaires in a bid to choke off the Russian economy, US-based card payment giants Visa and Mastercard were the latest companies to announce they would suspend operations in Russia.

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World leaders vowed further punitive action if Vladimir Putin failed to change course but the Russian leader has equated global sanctions with a declaration of war and has warned that Kyiv is "putting in question the future of Ukrainian statehood".

With a wary eye on Russia's nuclear stocks, NATO allies have so far rebuffed Ukraine's calls for a no-fly zone. Putin has threatened "colossal and catastrophic consequences not only for Europe but also the whole world" if a no-fly zone is set up.

In the latest sign that sanctions were biting, Moscow said Sunday that retailers in Russia will restrict sales of essential goods including bread, rice and flour to limit black market speculation.

Cracking down on dissent at home, Russia detained around 2,500 people across the country for staging protests against its military assault on Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military said Sunday it was engaged in "fierce battles" with Russian forces for the control of borders at the southern city of Mykolaiv and Chernihiv in the north.

"The main efforts are focused on defending the city of Mariupol," it said in a Facebook post, adding an operation by Ukrainian forces was also underway in the eastern part of the Donetsk region.

'Bodies everywhere'

Efforts Saturday to get people out of Mariupol -- one of the most ferocious scenes of war -- collapsed almost immediately with both sides accusing each other of breaching a ceasefire agreement.

A fresh attempt on Sunday again failed.&nbsp;

The strategic city of Mariupol on the Azov Sea has for days been under siege and without electricity, food and water, with stop-start ceasefires.

In a telephone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Putin blamed Kyiv for not keeping to "agreements reached on this acute humanitarian issue," the Kremlin said.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-will-be-a-war-crime-ukraine-warns-russia-preparing-to-shell-port-city-odessa-459585">'This will be a war crime': Ukraine warns Russia preparing to shell port city Odessa</a>

But the governor of the eastern region Donetsk, Pavlo Kirilenko, said "the column to evacuate the population could not leave Mariupol... because the Russians regrouped their forces and started to bombard the city."

"It is extremely dangerous to get people out in these conditions," he said, adding that humanitarian aid from Zaporozhzhia also could not reach the people.

Very few refugees from the port city made it out on Saturday, but one family -- who did not give their names -- arrived in the central city of Dnipro and recounted their harrowing experience.

"We stayed in the basement for seven days with no heating, electricity or internet and ran out of food and water. We think we might be the only people to get out," one said.

"On the road, we saw there were bodies everywhere, Russians and Ukrainians. There was so much damage to the city. We saw that people had been buried in their basements."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia and Ukraine traded blame for ceasefire breaches for a second day as a fresh attempt to evacuate Ukraine citizens from port city of Mariupol failed second time.

Russia and Ukraine traded blame for ceasefire breaches for a second day as a fresh attempt to evacuate Ukraine citizens from port city of Mariupol failed second time. More than 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine after Russia invaded the country on February 24. The United Nations has already called Ukraine crisis "Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War 2" Pope Francis on Sunday deplored the "rivers of blood and tears" flowing in Ukraine, as Washington cited "very credible reports" that Russia committed war crimes by deliberately attacking civilians. Hundreds of civilians have been killed and thousands wounded, with hundreds of thousands of mostly women and children pouring into neighbouring countries such as Poland, Romania or Moldova for refuge. After the West imposed unprecedented sanctions against businesses, banks and billionaires in a bid to choke off the Russian economy, US-based card payment giants Visa and Mastercard were the latest companies to announce they would suspend operations in Russia. Also Read | 3,000 Americans volunteer to fight invading Russian forces in Ukraine, says report World leaders vowed further punitive action if Vladimir Putin failed to change course but the Russian leader has equated global sanctions with a declaration of war and has warned that Kyiv is "putting in question the future of Ukrainian statehood". With a wary eye on Russia's nuclear stocks, NATO allies have so far rebuffed Ukraine's calls for a no-fly zone. Putin has threatened "colossal and catastrophic consequences not only for Europe but also the whole world" if a no-fly zone is set up. In the latest sign that sanctions were biting, Moscow said Sunday that retailers in Russia will restrict sales of essential goods including bread, rice and flour to limit black market speculation. Cracking down on dissent at home, Russia detained around 2,500 people across the country for staging protests against its military assault on Ukraine. The Ukrainian military said Sunday it was engaged in "fierce battles" with Russian forces for the control of borders at the southern city of Mykolaiv and Chernihiv in the north. "The main efforts are focused on defending the city of Mariupol," it said in a Facebook post, adding an operation by Ukrainian forces was also underway in the eastern part of the Donetsk region. 'Bodies everywhere' Efforts Saturday to get people out of Mariupol -- one of the most ferocious scenes of war -- collapsed almost immediately with both sides accusing each other of breaching a ceasefire agreement. A fresh attempt on Sunday again failed. The strategic city of Mariupol on the Azov Sea has for days been under siege and without electricity, food and water, with stop-start ceasefires. In a telephone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Putin blamed Kyiv for not keeping to "agreements reached on this acute humanitarian issue," the Kremlin said. Also Read | 'This will be a war crime': Ukraine warns Russia preparing to shell port city Odessa But the governor of the eastern region Donetsk, Pavlo Kirilenko, said "the column to evacuate the population could not leave Mariupol... because the Russians regrouped their forces and started to bombard the city." "It is extremely dangerous to get people out in these conditions," he said, adding that humanitarian aid from Zaporozhzhia also could not reach the people. Very few refugees from the port city made it out on Saturday, but one family -- who did not give their names -- arrived in the central city of Dnipro and recounted their harrowing experience. "We stayed in the basement for seven days with no heating, electricity or internet and ran out of food and water. We think we might be the only people to get out," one said. "On the road, we saw there were bodies everywhere, Russians and Ukrainians. There was so much damage to the city. We saw that people had been buried in their basements." (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: Evacuation efforts from port city Mariupol fail for second time

The City Council of Mariupol has announced a temporary ceasefire to help evacuate civilians as well as the wounded and dead. The news comes after a Ukrainian-Russian agreement for humanitarian corridors out of the city broke down following reports of Russian shelling.

Fresh attempts of evacuation in Mariupol, second temporary ceasefire announced

The Mariupol port city of Ukraine, which is surrounded by Russian troops, will begin efforts to evacuate its civilian population on Sunday afternoon, after earlier attempts were thwarted by ceasefire violations.

Around 400,000 residents are currently trapped in the city. The evacuation would start at 12 pm local time (10 am GMT) on Sunday under a temporary ceasefire that will last till 9 pm ( 7 pm GMT)

"From 1200 (1000 GMT) the evacuation of the civilian population begins," city officials said in a statement, which said a ceasefire was agreed with Russian-led forces surrounding the city.

An earlier attempt to evacuate civilians by buses and cars along the road northwest towards Zaporizhzhia was halted on Saturday after both sides accused each other of shelling.

Ukrainian authorities accused the Russians of shelling even when civilians were gathering to form an escape convoy, but Moscow's defence ministry accused the city's defenders of exploiting a "human shield".

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Meanwhile, British intelligence has claimed that Russian forces were targeting populated areas in Ukraine but that the strength of resistance was slowing the Russian advance, reported Reuters.

"The scale and strength of Ukrainian resistance continue to surprise Russia," British military intelligence said in an update.

Russia "has responded by targeting populated areas in multiple locations, including Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Mariupol."

Russia has repeatedly denied that it is targeting civilian areas.

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If Russian forces succeed in capturing Mariupol which held out against rebel forces in the previous 2014 conflict, they will control Ukraine's entire Azov Sea coast.

This would give them a landbridge from Russia to Russian-annexed Crimea and an important supply route and port if they decide to push north in a bid to take all of eastern Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Mariupol port city of Ukraine, which is surrounded by Russian troops, will begin efforts to evacuate its civilian population on Sunday afternoon, after earlier attempts were thwarted by ceasefire violations.

The Mariupol port city of Ukraine, which is surrounded by Russian troops, will begin efforts to evacuate its civilian population on Sunday afternoon, after earlier attempts were thwarted by ceasefire violations. Around 400,000 residents are currently trapped in the city. The evacuation would start at 12 pm local time (10 am GMT) on Sunday under a temporary ceasefire that will last till 9 pm ( 7 pm GMT) "From 1200 (1000 GMT) the evacuation of the civilian population begins," city officials said in a statement, which said a ceasefire was agreed with Russian-led forces surrounding the city. An earlier attempt to evacuate civilians by buses and cars along the road northwest towards Zaporizhzhia was halted on Saturday after both sides accused each other of shelling. Ukrainian authorities accused the Russians of shelling even when civilians were gathering to form an escape convoy, but Moscow's defence ministry accused the city's defenders of exploiting a "human shield". Also read | 3,000 Americans volunteer to fight invading Russian forces in Ukraine: Report Meanwhile, British intelligence has claimed that Russian forces were targeting populated areas in Ukraine but that the strength of resistance was slowing the Russian advance, reported Reuters. "The scale and strength of Ukrainian resistance continue to surprise Russia," British military intelligence said in an update. Russia "has responded by targeting populated areas in multiple locations, including Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Mariupol." Russia has repeatedly denied that it is targeting civilian areas. Also read | Indian, African students allege racism at Ukrainian border If Russian forces succeed in capturing Mariupol which held out against rebel forces in the previous 2014 conflict, they will control Ukraine's entire Azov Sea coast. This would give them a landbridge from Russia to Russian-annexed Crimea and an important supply route and port if they decide to push north in a bid to take all of eastern Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine’s Mariupol port city to resume evacuation today after ceasefire breach

Russia said it has resumed "offensive actions" after announcing a ceasefire earlier on Saturday in the port towns of Mariupol and neighbouring Volnovakha.&nbsp;

"Due to the unwillingness of the Ukrainian side to influence nationalists or extend the regime of silence, offensive actions have been resumed," defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.

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Ukrainian officials had earlier blamed Russian forces of violating the ceasefire agreement after Putin's regime announced it had opened humanitarian corridors in the two cities.

Russian defence ministry spokesman said &nbsp;"not a single civilian" was able to make way through the humanitarian corridors while alleging that "the population of these cities is held by nationalist formations as a human shield".

Watch:&nbsp;What bunkers in Lviv look like?

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Russia blamed the Ukrainians of trying to "regroup", earlier Ukraine's minister Iryna Vereshchuk had said the government was looking into military reports of Russian troops using the time to advance towards Mariupol.

The Ukrainian government had said earlier that it planned to evacuate&nbsp;15,000 people from Volnovakha and 200,000 from Mariupol. Ukrainian authorities however delayed evacuation efforts alleging that Russians were shelling areas in Mariupol.

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Reports said Russia has intensified its attack on Kyiv even as over 1.3 million people have fled to neighbouring European countries with Russian air raids being conducted in Bucha and Irpin allegedly on civilian targets.

The UN said at least 351 civilians have been killed in the last ten days amid Russian attacks while adding that the casualties could be "considerably higher".

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia said it has resumed "offensive actions" after announcing a ceasefire earlier on Saturday in the port towns of Mariupol and neighbouring Volnovakha. "Due to the unwillingness of the Ukrainian side to influence nationalists or extend the regime of silence, offensive actions have been resumed," defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.

Russia said it has resumed "offensive actions" after announcing a ceasefire earlier on Saturday in the port towns of Mariupol and neighbouring Volnovakha. "Due to the unwillingness of the Ukrainian side to influence nationalists or extend the regime of silence, offensive actions have been resumed," defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said. Also Read in Pics: Russian tank armada vs Ukraine - who will win? Ukrainian officials had earlier blamed Russian forces of violating the ceasefire agreement after Putin's regime announced it had opened humanitarian corridors in the two cities. Russian defence ministry spokesman said "not a single civilian" was able to make way through the humanitarian corridors while alleging that "the population of these cities is held by nationalist formations as a human shield". Watch: What bunkers in Lviv look like? Russia blamed the Ukrainians of trying to "regroup", earlier Ukraine's minister Iryna Vereshchuk had said the government was looking into military reports of Russian troops using the time to advance towards Mariupol. The Ukrainian government had said earlier that it planned to evacuate 15,000 people from Volnovakha and 200,000 from Mariupol. Ukrainian authorities however delayed evacuation efforts alleging that Russians were shelling areas in Mariupol. Also Read in Pics: What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes? Reports said Russia has intensified its attack on Kyiv even as over 1.3 million people have fled to neighbouring European countries with Russian air raids being conducted in Bucha and Irpin allegedly on civilian targets. The UN said at least 351 civilians have been killed in the last ten days amid Russian attacks while adding that the casualties could be "considerably higher". (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia resumes 'offensive action' in Mariupol as ceasefire collapses

After Russian forces declared a temporary ceasefire in the port city of Mariupol, Ukrainian authorities said the evacuation has been postponed due to Russian shelling.

The port city is reportedly surrounded by Russian forces, however, Ukrainian forces said they will be delaying the evacuation due to Russian ceasefire violations.

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"Russian side does not adhere to the ceasefire, and has continued shelling both of Mariupol itself and its environs," city officials said while adding that the evacuation has been postponed.

Russia had said earlier that it had opened humanitarian corridors near Mariupol and Volnovakha in order to allow safe passage for civilians. Reports claimed Mariupol citizens were allowed to leave the city in a five hour period even as the invasion entered the tenth day on Saturday.

Reports claim Mariupol has been heavily bombarded even as Ukrainian forces said at least 200,000 people from Mariupol and 15,000 from Volnovakha would be evacuated. However, city officials claimed that Russian forces were not adhering to the ceasefire.

Watch:&nbsp;How safe are Ukraine's nuclear plants?

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Meanwhile, Ukraine's minister Iryna Vereshchuk said the government was looking into military reports of Russian troops possibly&nbsp;using the time gained by the ceasefire to advance towards Mariupol.

Despite the temporary ceasefire, Russia's defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said: "The armed forces of the Russian Federation continued to carry out strikes on the military infrastructure of Ukraine."

Amid the continued bombing operation carried out by Russia, at least 1.2 million have already fled to European countries with a huge shortage of essential supplies as the Russian military operation continues.

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Russia has also continued to&nbsp;bomb&nbsp;Kyiv with Russian armoured divisions waiting outside the city.

NATO on Friday had rejected President Zelenky's demand for a no-fly zone over Ukraine as secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said&nbsp;the European alliance did not want the conflict&nbsp;"escalating beyond Ukraine because that would be even more dangerous, more devastating and would cause even more human suffering".

(With inputs from Agencies)

After Russian forces declared a temporary ceasefire in the port city of Mariupol, Ukrainian authorities said the evacuation has been postponed due to Russian shelling.

After Russian forces declared a temporary ceasefire in the port city of Mariupol, Ukrainian authorities said the evacuation has been postponed due to Russian shelling. The port city is reportedly surrounded by Russian forces, however, Ukrainian forces said they will be delaying the evacuation due to Russian ceasefire violations. Also Read in Pics: Ukraine's US-made Javelin anti-tank missile vs Russian T-72 beasts "Russian side does not adhere to the ceasefire, and has continued shelling both of Mariupol itself and its environs," city officials said while adding that the evacuation has been postponed. Russia had said earlier that it had opened humanitarian corridors near Mariupol and Volnovakha in order to allow safe passage for civilians. Reports claimed Mariupol citizens were allowed to leave the city in a five hour period even as the invasion entered the tenth day on Saturday. Reports claim Mariupol has been heavily bombarded even as Ukrainian forces said at least 200,000 people from Mariupol and 15,000 from Volnovakha would be evacuated. However, city officials claimed that Russian forces were not adhering to the ceasefire. Watch: How safe are Ukraine's nuclear plants? Meanwhile, Ukraine's minister Iryna Vereshchuk said the government was looking into military reports of Russian troops possibly using the time gained by the ceasefire to advance towards Mariupol. Despite the temporary ceasefire, Russia's defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said: "The armed forces of the Russian Federation continued to carry out strikes on the military infrastructure of Ukraine." Amid the continued bombing operation carried out by Russia, at least 1.2 million have already fled to European countries with a huge shortage of essential supplies as the Russian military operation continues. Also Read in Pics: Russia's Sarmat Intercontinental ballistic missile can change battlefield dynamic Russia has also continued to bomb Kyiv with Russian armoured divisions waiting outside the city. NATO on Friday had rejected President Zelenky's demand for a no-fly zone over Ukraine as secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said the European alliance did not want the conflict "escalating beyond Ukraine because that would be even more dangerous, more devastating and would cause even more human suffering". (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia not adhering to ceasefire, evacuation delayed in Mariupol: Ukraine

Despite unexpectedly ferocious resistance, the first major Ukrainian city fell to Russian forces as they take the Black Sea port of Kherson in southern Ukraine. It was confirmed on Thursday (March 3).&nbsp;

Igor Kolykhayev, who is the mayor of the Ukrainian city of Kherson, on Wednesday (March 2), said Russian troops were in the streets and had forced their way into the city council building.&nbsp;

Kolykhayev urged Russian soldiers not to shoot at civilians and publicly called on civilians to walk through the streets only in daylight and in ones and twos. "We do not have the Armed Forces in the city, only civilians and people who want to LIVE here!" he said in a statement.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-under-attack-satellite-images-show-whats-happening-on-the-ground-zero-458503">Ukraine under attack: Satellite&nbsp;images show what's happening on the ground zero</a>

But what's next?&nbsp;

On February 25, Reuters reported citing military analysts and former officials that Russia's invasion of Ukraine looks designed to take Kyiv and create a land corridor south to the Black Sea, splitting the country into two.&nbsp;

In the latest analysis by The Telegraph, Russian President Vladimir Putin's move suggested that he is set to 'cut Ukraine in two' as Russian troops gain vital bridgehead to attack Kyiv.&nbsp;

The advancement means that Russian armed forces can cross the River Dnieper, which cuts Ukraine in two and head westwards and northwards to attack Kyiv from a second direction.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-russias-sarmat-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-can-change-battlefield-dynamic-458549">How Russia's Sarmat Intercontinental ballistic missile can change battlefield dynamic</a>

The southern port city of Mariupol, which is an industrial port on the Sea of Azov, becomes vital now because Russia will need to control if it is to open a land route from the city of Odesa with the occupied territory of the Crimean peninsula.&nbsp;

Mariupol is in the way of the Russian leader controlling the coastline from Crimea to the Donbas. City's mayor, Vadym Boichenko, said: "Their [Russia] mission is to destroy us. We cannot even take the wounded from the streets, from houses and apartments today, since the shelling does not stop."&nbsp;

The reports have&nbsp;mentioned that the Russian forces pound and encircle the strategic port city of Mariupol, which is without water or electricity.&nbsp;

The Russian forces relentlessly launched rocket artillery fire on Mariupol. The authorities said as quoted by the media outlet that they were trying to make the city unlivable by targeting civilian infrastructure and homes. Officials said it amounted to "real genocide".&nbsp;

The media outlet has also uncovered evidence of what appeared to be fresh war crimes committed by Russia.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine conflict: New sanctions on Belarus, Russian defence sector

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Despite unexpectedly ferocious resistance, the first major Ukrainian city fell to Russian forces as they take the Black Sea port of Kherson in southern Ukraine. It was confirmed on Thursday (March 3).

Despite unexpectedly ferocious resistance, the first major Ukrainian city fell to Russian forces as they take the Black Sea port of Kherson in southern Ukraine. It was confirmed on Thursday (March 3). Igor Kolykhayev, who is the mayor of the Ukrainian city of Kherson, on Wednesday (March 2), said Russian troops were in the streets and had forced their way into the city council building. Kolykhayev urged Russian soldiers not to shoot at civilians and publicly called on civilians to walk through the streets only in daylight and in ones and twos. "We do not have the Armed Forces in the city, only civilians and people who want to LIVE here!" he said in a statement. IN PICS | Ukraine under attack: Satellite images show what's happening on the ground zero But what's next? On February 25, Reuters reported citing military analysts and former officials that Russia's invasion of Ukraine looks designed to take Kyiv and create a land corridor south to the Black Sea, splitting the country into two. In the latest analysis by The Telegraph, Russian President Vladimir Putin's move suggested that he is set to 'cut Ukraine in two' as Russian troops gain vital bridgehead to attack Kyiv. The advancement means that Russian armed forces can cross the River Dnieper, which cuts Ukraine in two and head westwards and northwards to attack Kyiv from a second direction. IN PICS | How Russia's Sarmat Intercontinental ballistic missile can change battlefield dynamic The southern port city of Mariupol, which is an industrial port on the Sea of Azov, becomes vital now because Russia will need to control if it is to open a land route from the city of Odesa with the occupied territory of the Crimean peninsula. Mariupol is in the way of the Russian leader controlling the coastline from Crimea to the Donbas. City's mayor, Vadym Boichenko, said: "Their [Russia] mission is to destroy us. We cannot even take the wounded from the streets, from houses and apartments today, since the shelling does not stop." The reports have mentioned that the Russian forces pound and encircle the strategic port city of Mariupol, which is without water or electricity. The Russian forces relentlessly launched rocket artillery fire on Mariupol. The authorities said as quoted by the media outlet that they were trying to make the city unlivable by targeting civilian infrastructure and homes. Officials said it amounted to "real genocide". The media outlet has also uncovered evidence of what appeared to be fresh war crimes committed by Russia. WATCH | Ukraine conflict: New sanctions on Belarus, Russian defence sector ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Is this Vladimir Putin's next massive plan?

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