‘Last address to the world’ – Mariupol on the brink of collapse

As Russian forces continue their advance on Mariupol, a Ukrainian military commander has appeared in a video message posted online, in which he says could be his “last address to the world”

Ukraine’s military is trying desperately to hold on to the strategic port city, but armed forces are outnumbered and running out of supplies.

The marine commander says he and his men may only have hours left, but they are determined not to surrender.

The Russian deadline for civilians still left in the region to flee has now passed, with no indication Ukraine has complied.

It’s believed the last remaining individuals are sheltering in one of the city’s major steel plants, with 1,000 civilians part of this group.

Ukraine’s leaders have announced some last-minute plans to rescue at leat some of the civilians before it’s too late.

There are reports up to 90 buses were be sent to evacuate about 6,000 Ukrainians on Wednesday, but estimates suggest there are still over 100,000 people trapped in the region.

The steel factory where many are hiding has become the last centre of the Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol.

In eastern Donbas, Russia is continuing its new offensive, but UK intelligence says Ukrainian forces are successfully defending the region.