The fight for Mariupol intensifies as Zelensky pleas for military assistance

Russian and Ukrainian forces are continuing to fight for control of the major port city of Mariupol as President Zelensky appealed to Israel for further military assistance.

During a video address to Israel’s parliament, Zelensky asked why the nation was relectent to part ways with its high-tech Dome missile defence system.

This follows Israeli President Naftali Bennet holding a number of calls with both Russia and Ukraine in recent weeks, all in an attempt to bring an end to the war.

Back in Ukraine, destruction in Mariupol has only continued to increase, with the city suffering through some of the heaviest bombardment since Russia launched its invasion.

If Russian forces successfully capture the port city, it would allow them to establish a land corridor through to the Crimea peninsula… the region Moscow annexed back in 2014.

Putin continues to claim his invasion of Ukraine is a “special operation” designed to root out people the Russian leader labels “dangerous nationals”.

But Zelensaky says the siege of Mariupol is a war crime.

Here’s a recap of what you need to know:

• Ukrainian President Zelensky appeals to Israel for further military support during a video address.
• An art school in Mariupol where 400 people were sheltering has been destroyed, as Russian troops increase the severity of their attacks on the port city.
• US President Joe Biden will meet with fellow world leaders in Europe this week, but many believe it won’t be enough to end the bloody war.
• New claims thousands of Ukrainian residents are being forcibly taken to Russian cities.