A top European official warns the besieged city of Mariupol could fall “within days”, as Russia begins its offensive in the Donbas region of Ukraine

War-torn Mariupol has been largely decimated by relentless Russian shelling, and there are reports Moscow wants to declare the region “liberated” by May 9.

May 9 is a significant date in the Russian calendar, marking the day the nation defeated Nazi Germany back in 1945.

Speaking to Reuters, the unnamed official says they “do expect a complete destruction of the city and many civilian casualties in Mariupol”.

It’s also feared the death toll could far surpass that which was seen in the city of Bucha, where Russian troops have been accused of killing hundreds of innocent civilians.

As Russia pushes to take control of the Donbas region, it seems clear Moscow is determined to secure a land corridor with Crimea, the area seized back in 2014.

As Russia’s renewed offensive in the east heats up, US President Joe Biden says his administration will send more artillery systems to Ukraine.

Since the beginning of Putin’s invasion, America has so-far provided $3.2 billion (£2.46bn) in security aid to the nation.