Kyiv under siege – President defends cities

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says his country will never bow down to Russian aggression, and cities like Kyiv, Mariupol or Kharkiv will not accept Russian occupation

In the capital of Kyiv, at least eight people have died after a shopping centre was targeted in an attack, as an official death toll is determined.

A shopping centre and the adjacent parking lot caught fire following Russian shelling… with 63 firefighters working to extinguish the blaze.

Kyiv’s Prosecutor General says an enemy missile strike and resulting fire is the reason behind the destruction and chaos.

It’s feared the number of fatalities will only continue to rise.

Ukraine refused an offer to surrender the key port city of Mariupol on Monday, after Russian forces offered safe passageway to civilians if the city was handed over.

This is leading to an ever growing humanitarian crisis, with residents left trapped without access to basic supplies like food and water.

The port city has been under near-constant attack from Russian forces since early March, with reports up to 90 percent of its building have now been damaged.

Russia has reportedly been targeting civilians during its attacks on the area, with the European Union’s top diplomat describing the situation on the ground as a “war crime”.

Seizing control of the strategic city would be a major win for Moscow, delivering a key passageway as the majority of other advancements remain somewhat halted.

Meanwhile, Borell says the European Union is on track to approve the Strategic Compass, ensuring the EU is better equipped to face challenges like a war.