| Russian attack on Mariupol again

Kyiv: Days following the announcement of the capture of Mariupol, there is another Russian attack here. The bomber struck shortly following noon in front of a crowd of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians stranded at the city’s Azovshtal steel plant.

Russia’s strategy was to force troops to surrender without direct attack. This time, Ukraine was trying to defend itself by releasing footage of children and women on the factory premises. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the remaining Ukrainian troops in Mariupol should surrender immediately. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Iryana Vershechuk made it clear yesterday that efforts were being made to evacuate civilians from Mariupol.

Despite repeated calls for a ceasefire, Ukraine halted evacuation of Mariupol because of Russia’s non-cooperation. Ukraine had hoped for a weekend ceasefire as the Easter celebrations of Orthodox Christians are important to both countries. However, it was not until later that the Russian army resumed its offensive in Mariupol.

The Ukrainian military has confirmed that Russian forces carried out airstrikes targeting a steel factory. Ukraine says eight people, including a young child, have been killed in a Russian missile strike in Odessa. It is estimated that one lakh people are trapped in Mariupol.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Selensky has said that the Russian occupation of Ukraine is just the beginning. Selensky warned that Russia had plans to seize other countries. Selensky held talks with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Selensky’s move comes as Erdogan is due to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin today. Selensky said he had convinced Erdogan of the need to evacuate civilians from Mariupol. Selensky’s attempt to seek Russian cooperation through Erdogan for the Mariupol evacuation mission.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Selensky claimed that Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin would visit Kiev.

As Russia’s occupation enters its third month, the U.S. has asked Ukraine regarding its weapons. He said he would discuss with the delegates. However, the White House has not confirmed Blinken and Austin’s trip to Kiev.