Kyiv Stands as Key Cities are Under Attack. The crucial Ukrainian city of Mariupol is under Russian attack. Sergei Orlov, Mariupol’s deputy mayor, said that the southeastern city was “encircled” by Russian soldiers. He added that they are in critical need of military and humanitarian assistance.
“Our Ukrainian army and National Guard are very brave, they stand and fight for Ukraine, for Mariupol. But the situation is quite critical,” Orlov said Thursday.
Russian assaults on the Kharkiv area in northeast Ukraine killed 34 civilians in less than a day, according to emergency services. Russian forces are making their way toward Odesa, a strategically important city on Ukraine’s southern coast.
In Kyiv, the Russian convoy is preparing to lay siege to the city. “As of this morning, we still assessed that the advance of the Russian forces was still about 25 kilometers from the city center, but they are trying to close in,” Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said. “They are still outside the city, but we still believe that their intent is to try to encircle Kyiv, and ultimately occupy it.”
The ongoing talks between Russia and Ukraine have not reached a conclusion. “Unfortunately, the results Ukraine needs are not yet achieved. There is a solution only for the organization of humanitarian corridors,” senior Ukrainian official Mykhailo Podolyak said in a tweet after the talks ended.
Humanitarian help is urgently needed as a result of the Russian invasion. Food and resources are becoming increasingly limited throughout the country. Shelter, food, water, and extra relief are being provided by organizations on the ground in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
According to a statement by the United Nations, more than 10 million people may evacuate their homes in Ukraine, with four million crossing the border into neighboring countries.