It is day 19 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine.

Day 19 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Capital Kyiv braces for Russian assault

A US journalist was shot dead and another was wounded in Ukraine's Irpin, reported AFP news agency quoting medics and witnesses.

Danylo Shapovalov, a surgeon volunteering for the Ukrainian territorial defence, said one of the Americans died instantly and he had treated the other.

AFP said its reporters in Irpin saw the body of the victim.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/military-base-in-lviv-attacked-35-people-killed-and-134-injured-461986/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

A third victim, a Ukrainian who had been in the same car as the Americans, was also wounded.

Ukrainian officials were quick to blame Russian forces for the shooting but the exact circumstances were unclear. AFP reporters heard small arms and artillery fire in the area.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-can-plan-chemical-weapons-operations-behind-lies-about-biological-weapons-laboratories-nato-461865">Russia can plan chemical weapons operations behind lies about biological weapons laboratories: NATO</a>

"The car was shot at. There were two journalists and one of ours (a Ukrainian)," Shapovalov told AFP.

"Our guy and the journalist are wounded, I provided them first aid, the other one received a wound in the neck, he died immediately."

Papers found on the American reporter's body identified him as 50-year-old video documentary shooter Brent Renaud, of New York.

A New York Times identity card was among the papers, leading to reports he worked for the paper, but the US daily said he was not working for it at the time of his death.

"Brent was a talented photographer and filmmaker who had contributed to The New York Times over the years," said a statement tweeted by deputy managing editor Cliff Levy.

"Though he had contributed to The Times in the past (most recently in 2015), he was not on assignment for any desk at The Times in Ukraine."

(With inputs from agencies)

A US journalist was shot dead and another was wounded in Ukraine's Irpin, reported AFP news agency quoting medics and witnesses. Danylo Shapovalov, a surgeon volunteering for the Ukrainian territorial defence, said one of the Americans died instantly and he had treated the other.

A US journalist was shot dead and another was wounded in Ukraine's Irpin, reported AFP news agency quoting medics and witnesses. Danylo Shapovalov, a surgeon volunteering for the Ukrainian territorial defence, said one of the Americans died instantly and he had treated the other. AFP said its reporters in Irpin saw the body of the victim. × A third victim, a Ukrainian who had been in the same car as the Americans, was also wounded. Ukrainian officials were quick to blame Russian forces for the shooting but the exact circumstances were unclear. AFP reporters heard small arms and artillery fire in the area. Also Read | Russia can plan chemical weapons operations behind lies about biological weapons laboratories: NATO "The car was shot at. There were two journalists and one of ours (a Ukrainian)," Shapovalov told AFP. "Our guy and the journalist are wounded, I provided them first aid, the other one received a wound in the neck, he died immediately." Papers found on the American reporter's body identified him as 50-year-old video documentary shooter Brent Renaud, of New York. A New York Times identity card was among the papers, leading to reports he worked for the paper, but the US daily said he was not working for it at the time of his death. "Brent was a talented photographer and filmmaker who had contributed to The New York Times over the years," said a statement tweeted by deputy managing editor Cliff Levy. "Though he had contributed to The Times in the past (most recently in 2015), he was not on assignment for any desk at The Times in Ukraine." (With inputs from agencies)

US journalist shot dead in Ukraine, another wounded: Report

In pics | With Ukraine under attack, Taiwan military gears up

Russian invasion of Ukraine continues. Take a look at how the situation is developing in Donetsk. Russian state media has released footage of what it claims the village of Novotroitske shows military convoy with letter 'Z' ON IT.

Russia releases village of Novotroitske, 'Z' painted on military convoy vehicles

Ukraine expects a new wave of attacks on the Kyiv, Kharkiv and Donbass regions after a slowdown in Russia's offensive.

Ukraine: Expecting new attacks on Kyiv, Kharkiv, Donbass

With each passing day Russia seems to be turning its cruise on the Ukrainian capital. Russia has said to have surrounded Kyiv from three sides in a pincer attack our correspondent Anas Mallick is in Lyiv and brings in all exclusive information.

Russian troops inches closer towards Kyiv, intense fighting on outskirts of capital

Russia has rammed up its offensive against Ukraine with the heads of Ukrainian government officials reportedly being targeted. Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelensky has alleged that Russia has kidnapped the mayor of city Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov.

Mayor of Ukraine's Melitopol city kidnapped by Russia, alleges President Zelenskyy

It is day 18 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine.

Military base in Lviv attacked: 35 people killed and 134 injured

Day 18 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Russian forces inch closer to heart Kyiv

As the world pushed for new economic sanctions against Russia and President Putin amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia's economy faces hardships. Russia scrambles to deal with sanctions.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Impact of sanctions on ordinary Russians

An estimated 2.3 million Ukrainians have fled from their country so far. If the Russian invasion were to continue in the days to come then the United Nations expects that anywhere from 6 to 7 million Ukrainians will be seeking refuge in other European Nations.

Russia Ukraine invasion: UN estimates 7 million will need refuge

During a flight, a Russian pilot denounced his country's attack on Ukraine.The pilot demanded that the war between Russia and Ukraine be ended immediately.&nbsp;

A video of the pilot’s message was tweeted by journalist Pjotr Sauer.&nbsp;

"The war in Ukraine is a crime," the pilot was quoted as saying by Sauer. "I think sensible citizens will agree with me and will do everything to make it stop."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A Russian pilot tells passengers that he believes “the war in Ukraine is a crime,” adding “I think each sensible citizens will agree with me and will do everything to make it stop.” Rare to see public opposition to the war given the consequences such a statement will have <a href="https://t.co/55h18mWI9U">pic.twitter.com/55h18mWI9U</a>
— Pjotr Sauer (@PjotrSauer) <a href="https://twitter.com/PjotrSauer/status/1502335189669892098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Given the potential repercussions, such public opposition to Russia's war was unusual.

According to Ukrainian diplomat Olexander Scherba, the pilot works for Pobeda, a subsidiary of Russia's flag airline, Aeroflot.

When he arrived in Antalya, Turkey, he delivered his message to travellers.

There was a little applause here and there.

The Ukrainian people are in the midst of a major crisis as Russian forces continue to attack their cities.

Thousands of individuals are said to have died in the conflict, which has prompted over 2 million people to flee Ukraine.

Protests, boycotts, and economic sanctions have been used around the world in response to Russian aggression.&nbsp;

The 17th day of what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refers to as a "war of extermination" witnessed mounting casualties, Russian soldiers approaching Kiev within 15 miles, and the vital port city of Mariupol continuing to be battered.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

During a flight, a Russian pilot denounced his country's attack on Ukraine.The pilot demanded that the war between Russia and Ukraine be ended immediately. A video of the pilot’s message was tweeted by journalist Pjotr Sauer.

During a flight, a Russian pilot denounced his country's attack on Ukraine.The pilot demanded that the war between Russia and Ukraine be ended immediately. A video of the pilot’s message was tweeted by journalist Pjotr Sauer. "The war in Ukraine is a crime," the pilot was quoted as saying by Sauer. "I think sensible citizens will agree with me and will do everything to make it stop." A Russian pilot tells passengers that he believes “the war in Ukraine is a crime,” adding “I think each sensible citizens will agree with me and will do everything to make it stop.” Rare to see public opposition to the war given the consequences such a statement will have pic.twitter.com/55h18mWI9U — Pjotr Sauer (@PjotrSauer) March 11, 2022 × Given the potential repercussions, such public opposition to Russia's war was unusual. According to Ukrainian diplomat Olexander Scherba, the pilot works for Pobeda, a subsidiary of Russia's flag airline, Aeroflot. When he arrived in Antalya, Turkey, he delivered his message to travellers. There was a little applause here and there. The Ukrainian people are in the midst of a major crisis as Russian forces continue to attack their cities. Thousands of individuals are said to have died in the conflict, which has prompted over 2 million people to flee Ukraine. Protests, boycotts, and economic sanctions have been used around the world in response to Russian aggression. The 17th day of what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refers to as a "war of extermination" witnessed mounting casualties, Russian soldiers approaching Kiev within 15 miles, and the vital port city of Mariupol continuing to be battered. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | War in Ukraine ‘is a crime’: Russian pilot tells passengers 

Russian troops continue to advance towards Kyiv on day 18 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Military base in Lviv attacked

In Russian invasion of Ukraine, fighting is raging on the outskirts of Kyiv. Artillery barrages forced residents to look for shelter in multiple areas around the capital city. &nbsp;

On Saturday, Zelenskyy said that Russia would need to carpet-bomb Kyiv and kill its residents to take the city. “They will come here only if they kill us all. If that is their goal, let them come,” he said.&nbsp;

The bombardment is still ongoing in other cities throughout the country like port city of Mariupol. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The invading forces are pounding the downtown of Mariupol with heavy shelling. Residents are hiding in an iconic mosque and elsewhere. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-weapons-worth-200-million-to-help-ukraine-fight-off-russia-461767" hreflang="en">US to send weapons worth $200 million to help Ukraine fight off Russia</a>

Mariupol is witnessing several issues in bringing food, water and medicine and evacuation of trapped civilians. During the siege, more than 1,500 people have died in Mariupol, as per the mayor's office. The continuous shelling has been even interrupting efforts to bury the dead in mass graves. &nbsp;

During a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said, “They are bombing it (Mariupol) 24 hours a day, launching missiles. It is hatred. They kill children." &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Saturday, the talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire have failed again. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211">LIVE: Ukraine says Russians shot 7 evacuees, including 1 child, near Kyiv</a>

Zelenskyy has also accused Russia of employing 'a new stage of terror' with the alleged detention of a mayor of a different city. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In Irpin, bodies lay out in the open on streets and in a park on Saturday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We do not have the right to let up our defense, no matter how difficult it may be," Zelenskyy said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In Russian invasion of Ukraine, fighting is raging on the outskirts of Kyiv. Artillery barrages forced residents to look for shelter in multiple areas around the capital city.

In Russian invasion of Ukraine, fighting is raging on the outskirts of Kyiv. Artillery barrages forced residents to look for shelter in multiple areas around the capital city. On Saturday, Zelenskyy said that Russia would need to carpet-bomb Kyiv and kill its residents to take the city. “They will come here only if they kill us all. If that is their goal, let them come,” he said. The bombardment is still ongoing in other cities throughout the country like port city of Mariupol. The invading forces are pounding the downtown of Mariupol with heavy shelling. Residents are hiding in an iconic mosque and elsewhere. Also Read: US to send weapons worth $200 million to help Ukraine fight off Russia Mariupol is witnessing several issues in bringing food, water and medicine and evacuation of trapped civilians. During the siege, more than 1,500 people have died in Mariupol, as per the mayor's office. The continuous shelling has been even interrupting efforts to bury the dead in mass graves. During a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said, “They are bombing it (Mariupol) 24 hours a day, launching missiles. It is hatred. They kill children." On Saturday, the talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire have failed again. Also Read | LIVE: Ukraine says Russians shot 7 evacuees, including 1 child, near Kyiv Zelenskyy has also accused Russia of employing 'a new stage of terror' with the alleged detention of a mayor of a different city. In Irpin, bodies lay out in the open on streets and in a park on Saturday. "We do not have the right to let up our defense, no matter how difficult it may be," Zelenskyy said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Fighting rages on near Kyiv as Mariupol gets pounded heavily

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is now in its 18th day. Russian forces are advancing to Ukraine's capital from the North West and North East.

Russian forces advance towards Kyiv from 3 different directions

It is day 18 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Russian forces are advancing from North, West & Northeast.

Russian artillery targets ammunition depot in Vasylkiv as Russian invasion of Ukraine enters day 18

In order to help Ukraine defend against invading Russian forces, the United States on Saturday said it would send additional small arms, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons worth $200 million to the eastern European nation. &nbsp;

Ukrainian officials have been asking for more equipment to defend against heavy shelling by Russian forces. &nbsp;

On Saturday, US President Joe Biden authorised the additional security assistance, the White House said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-conflict-intensifies-ukrainian-defenders-claim-to-kill-russias-third-general-461614" hreflang="en">As conflict intensifies, Ukrainian defenders claim to kill Russia’s third general</a>

The move will initiate the "immediate" shipment of fresh military equipment to Ukraine, a senior administration official said. &nbsp;

With the announcement, the total US security aid provided to Ukraine has reached $1.2 billion since January 2021 and $3.2 billion since 2014, when Russia had annexed Crimea region of Ukraine, as per senior administration officials. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a memorandum to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Biden has directed that up to $200 million allocated through the Foreign Assistance Act be designated for Ukraine's defence. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-faces-flak-for-laughing-on-question-over-ukrainian-refugees-fate-461512" hreflang="en">US Vice-President Kamala Harris faces flak for laughing on question over Ukrainian refugees’ fate</a>

Blinken said he authorised a fourth drawdown of US defense stocks, in line with Biden's directive, "to help Ukraine meet the armored, airborne, and other threats it is facing" as the war entered a third week. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement, Blinken said, "The United States and our allies and partners stand in solidarity with the people and government of Ukraine in the face of the Kremlin’s aggression. The international community is united and determined to hold (Russian President Vladimir) Putin accountable." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In order to help Ukraine defend against invading Russian forces, the United States on Saturday said it would send additional small arms, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons worth $200 million to the eastern European nation.

In order to help Ukraine defend against invading Russian forces, the United States on Saturday said it would send additional small arms, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons worth $200 million to the eastern European nation. Ukrainian officials have been asking for more equipment to defend against heavy shelling by Russian forces. On Saturday, US President Joe Biden authorised the additional security assistance, the White House said. Also Read: As conflict intensifies, Ukrainian defenders claim to kill Russia’s third general The move will initiate the "immediate" shipment of fresh military equipment to Ukraine, a senior administration official said. With the announcement, the total US security aid provided to Ukraine has reached $1.2 billion since January 2021 and $3.2 billion since 2014, when Russia had annexed Crimea region of Ukraine, as per senior administration officials. In a memorandum to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Biden has directed that up to $200 million allocated through the Foreign Assistance Act be designated for Ukraine's defence. Also Read: US Vice-President Kamala Harris faces flak for laughing on question over Ukrainian refugees’ fate Blinken said he authorised a fourth drawdown of US defense stocks, in line with Biden's directive, "to help Ukraine meet the armored, airborne, and other threats it is facing" as the war entered a third week. In a statement, Blinken said, "The United States and our allies and partners stand in solidarity with the people and government of Ukraine in the face of the Kremlin’s aggression. The international community is united and determined to hold (Russian President Vladimir) Putin accountable." (With inputs from agencies)

US to send weapons worth $200 million to help Ukraine fight off Russia

In the last two weeks, Europe has welcomed Ukrainian refugees with open arms. But this is in stark contrast to its treatment of Syrian refugees in 2015. On The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis decodes the racist nature of Europe's response to this refugee crisis.

The West Asia Post | Europe welcomes Ukrainians, shuns others

It is day 18 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Meanwhile, WION visited the community centre in Irpin to bring a report from the ground.

WION visits the community centre in Irpin amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

Day 18 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Russian forces advance from North, West & Northeast

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Residents from Irpin flee the area amid fierce fighting

Zelensky sends defiant message to Russia as Russian troops close in on Kyiv

Russian engineers have arrived at Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's city in which Europe's biggest atomic power plant is located. Seizure of this nuclear plant has sparkd international outcry.

Its reactors appeared undamaged after the assault despite a fire that broke out there after tanks bombarded it.

Officials from Russia's nuclear firm Rosatom arrived at the site on Friday, the Ukrainian nuclear agency Energoatom said in a message on Telegram.

The Russians told Ukrainian personnel they were there "to evaluate the radiation level" and "help to repair the plant" which was hit by shells, Energoatom said.

At the time of the attack, Moscow's UN ambassador denied that Russia had shelled the plant.

The Ukrainian agency said that the Russians had come directly to the site because Ukrainian personnel had refused to collaborate with them.

It said one of the Russians who arrived at the plant had introduced himself as the new civil and military administrator of the area and declared the plant part of Russian territory, to be run by Rosatom.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian engineers have arrived at Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's city in which Europe's biggest atomic power plant is located. Seizure of this nuclear plant has sparkd international outcry.

Russian engineers have arrived at Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's city in which Europe's biggest atomic power plant is located. Seizure of this nuclear plant has sparkd international outcry. Its reactors appeared undamaged after the assault despite a fire that broke out there after tanks bombarded it. Officials from Russia's nuclear firm Rosatom arrived at the site on Friday, the Ukrainian nuclear agency Energoatom said in a message on Telegram. The Russians told Ukrainian personnel they were there "to evaluate the radiation level" and "help to repair the plant" which was hit by shells, Energoatom said. At the time of the attack, Moscow's UN ambassador denied that Russia had shelled the plant. The Ukrainian agency said that the Russians had come directly to the site because Ukrainian personnel had refused to collaborate with them. It said one of the Russians who arrived at the plant had introduced himself as the new civil and military administrator of the area and declared the plant part of Russian territory, to be run by Rosatom. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia engineers inspect seized nuclear plant, Europe's biggest

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, millions of people mostly women and children are fleeing the conflict-ridden country. However, Ukraine's neighbours now report a dip in the number of refugees.

Ukraine's neighbours report a dip in the number of refugees fleeing the Russian invasion

Russia ramps up the attack in South Ukraine as the Russian invasion enters day 18

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian troops continue to advance towards capital Kyiv

Russia on Sunday (March 13) launched an attack on Ukrainian military training ground which is closer to Poland. The training ground is located in Ukraine's western city of Lviv.&nbsp;

Russia "launched an air strike on the International Centre for Peacekeeping and Security," the head of the Lviv regional administration, Maxim Kozitsky, said on his verified Facebook page.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, we have 9 dead. 57 people were injured," Lviv's mayor, Andriy Sadoviy, wrote on Telegram. 
Some of the injured have been taken to Lviv hospitals, he said.

The military base in Yavoriv, located some 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of the city, was a training centre for Ukrainian forces with foreign instructors, including from the United States and Canada.

It was also a hub for joint exercises of Ukrainians soldier with NATO allies.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said "foreign instructors work here," although it was unclear whether any were present during the attacks.

Foreign troops left Ukraine shortly before Russian launched an invasion of its pro-Western neighbour on February 24.

The United States said on February 12 that it withdrew 150 of its instructors from Ukraine.&nbsp;

Reznikov condemned the bombardment as a "new terrorist attack on peace &amp; security near the EU-NATO border", calling for the imposition of a no-fly zone.

"Action must be taken to stop this. Close the sky!" he wrote.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Sunday (March 13) launched an attack on Ukrainian military training ground which is closer to Poland. The training ground is located in Ukraine's western city of Lviv.

Russia on Sunday (March 13) launched an attack on Ukrainian military training ground which is closer to Poland. The training ground is located in Ukraine's western city of Lviv. Russia "launched an air strike on the International Centre for Peacekeeping and Security," the head of the Lviv regional administration, Maxim Kozitsky, said on his verified Facebook page. "Unfortunately, we have 9 dead. 57 people were injured," Lviv's mayor, Andriy Sadoviy, wrote on Telegram. Some of the injured have been taken to Lviv hospitals, he said. The military base in Yavoriv, located some 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of the city, was a training centre for Ukrainian forces with foreign instructors, including from the United States and Canada. It was also a hub for joint exercises of Ukrainians soldier with NATO allies. Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said "foreign instructors work here," although it was unclear whether any were present during the attacks. Foreign troops left Ukraine shortly before Russian launched an invasion of its pro-Western neighbour on February 24. The United States said on February 12 that it withdrew 150 of its instructors from Ukraine. Reznikov condemned the bombardment as a "new terrorist attack on peace & security near the EU-NATO border", calling for the imposition of a no-fly zone. "Action must be taken to stop this. Close the sky!" he wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia conducts airstrike on Ukrainian military target near Poland, 9 dead

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday said that Russia was sending fresh troops after Ukraine put 31 of Russian battalions out of action. He called this Russia's largest army loss in decades. Zelensky did not give details about this claim and it has not been independently verified.

Zelensky also said he had spoken to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron about pressuring Russia to release the mayor of the city of Melitopol, who Ukraine says was kidnapped on Friday (March 11) by Russian forces.

More than 2,000 residents of the southern city, which is now under Russian control, protested outside the city administration building to demand the release of the mayor, Ivan Fedorov, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president's office, said.

A call between Scholz, Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin was underway, the French presidency said. Russia has not commented on the fate of Fedorov, who Ukrainian officials said was kidnapped by Russian forces on false accusations of terrorism.

Zelenskiy said his country could not stop fighting but was upholding a ceasefire around an agreed humanitarian corridor out of the southern port of Mariupol, which has been under an almost two-week siege, and called on Russia to do the same.

Moscow has previously blamed Kyiv for failed evacuations.

Putin launched the invasion on Feb. 24 in an operation that has been near universally condemned around the world and that has drawn tough Western sanctions on Russia.

(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. &nbsp;

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday said that Russia was sending fresh troops after Ukraine put 31 of Russian battalions out of action. He called this Russia's largest army loss in decades.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday said that Russia was sending fresh troops after Ukraine put 31 of Russian battalions out of action. He called this Russia's largest army loss in decades. Zelensky did not give details about this claim and it has not been independently verified. Zelensky also said he had spoken to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron about pressuring Russia to release the mayor of the city of Melitopol, who Ukraine says was kidnapped on Friday (March 11) by Russian forces. More than 2,000 residents of the southern city, which is now under Russian control, protested outside the city administration building to demand the release of the mayor, Ivan Fedorov, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president's office, said. A call between Scholz, Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin was underway, the French presidency said. Russia has not commented on the fate of Fedorov, who Ukrainian officials said was kidnapped by Russian forces on false accusations of terrorism. Zelenskiy said his country could not stop fighting but was upholding a ceasefire around an agreed humanitarian corridor out of the southern port of Mariupol, which has been under an almost two-week siege, and called on Russia to do the same. Moscow has previously blamed Kyiv for failed evacuations. Putin launched the invasion on Feb. 24 in an operation that has been near universally condemned around the world and that has drawn tough Western sanctions on Russia. (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.

Russia sending fresh troops after heavy losses, claims Zelensky

Russia has ramped up the attack against Ukraine with the heads of Ukrainian government officials reportedly being targeted. in the latest reports suggest Russian military has installed a new mayor in the city of Melitopol after detaining former mayor.

New mayor installed in Ukraine's Melitopol after former mayor's ‘abduction’

Russian troops continue to unleash their assaults on southern Ukrainian cities. The local authorities are also ramping up their measures to fortify the region against further Russian air raids.

Russia ramps up attacks in southern Ukraine, Odessa residents fortify city

ukraine

Ukraine, News on Ukraine, stories on Ukraine, articles on Ukraine, Ukraine stories at Wion, Ukraine news, Ukraine latest news