Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for more pressure on Russia as the war appears to be in full swing.
In a recent video interview, Zelenskyy stated that about 100,000 people are still trapped in the port of Mariupol under “total ban” and suffering under “cruel conditions.”
Russia’s air strikes have turned the besieged port city into “ashes of the dead world,” the city council said, as US and Europe prepare to impose more sanctions on Moscow.
US President Joe Biden has said Russian leader Vladimir Putin is “behind the wall” and may use strong tactics in Ukraine.
During a few victories by Russian troops, as well as continued opposition from Ukraine, Kyiv said on Tuesday about 15,000 Russian soldiers had been killed so far in the war.
About 100,000 people are left in the besieged Ukrainian port city of Mariupol under “cruel conditions,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“There is no food, no water, no medicine. Under constant drilling, under constant bombings, “he said in a video address, according to NBC News’s English text.
“Ukraine has been trying to evacuate the city and provide humanitarian assistance for more than a week,” said Zelenskyy. “Almost all of our efforts are, unfortunately, disrupted by Russian citizens. By deliberate shooting or intimidation.”
The president also said that Ukraine’s representatives are continuing “very difficult” talks. “Step by step,” he said.
He said he was grateful for the support of international mediators and leaders. “Today was one of those days that allows us to say with certainty that the whole world is with us,” he said.
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are conflicting but moving forward, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday, as Western countries plan to announce more sanctions against the Kremlin amid humanitarian crisis.
Hundreds of thousands are believed to be trapped inside buildings, with no food, water, energy or heat. Both Ukrainian civilians and soldiers would be attacked by Russia, said regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko.
Russian troops and various Russian-backed units occupy about half of the port city, which is home to about 400,000 people, Russia’s RIA media quoted the separatist leader as saying. But in a morning speech, Zelenskiy expressed hope for the talks, which have not been so successful since the start of the February attacks. 24.
“It’s very difficult, sometimes contradictory,” he said. “But step by step it goes forward.”