Russia says it has taken control of the port in the besieged city of Mariupol, and 1000 Ukrainian forces have surrendered

If true, the capture of this area would further strengthen Russia’s eastwards expansion and Mariupol would become the first major Ukrainian city to fall since the invasion began on February 24.

Russian media has broadcast alleged video of Ukrainian forces surrendering, many bloody and injured.

This comes as the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court says Ukraine is “a crime scene”.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has once again spoken to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.

According to Zelensky, the two leaders spoke about additional defensive and financial aid, as well as the prospect of more targeted sanctions.

Biden has announced an additional $800 million dollar assistance package for Ukraine, as U-S officials warn of Russia’s intentions to enter a bloody, new phase of the war.

As Russia prepares to intensify its attack in the Donbas region, Biden says the United States will “continue to provide Ukraine with the capabilities to defend itself”.

In an English-language address to Twitter, Zelensky warns Russia still has the capacity to attack, and it’s not just Ukraine that is in the firing line.