The war in Ukraine continues for the 10th day with Russian forces launching an offensive. The Russian Defence Ministry said it is continuing its "broad offensive" while a ceasefire was announced only for Mariupol and Volnovaka in order to create humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians.
The port of Mariupol southeast of Ukraine is crucial for Russia as it borders the already occupied Kherson and the Donbas regions which Russia announced it recognised as independent before launching the invasion.
The Russian capture of Mariupol not only helps them control yet another route to the Black Sea, but allows them to gain control over a large area stretching from annexed Crimea to Donbass, with the Ukrainians fearing that these territories may pass forever under Russian control.
Mariupol has been hammered for days with residents living in fear with no water and no electricity for many hours. The evacuation of residents as announced by both sides will last for five hours. A ceasefire was also announced in Volnovaka, a smaller town north of Mariupol, which has already suffered many casualties from the repeated shelling.
The offensive in Kiev continues
Russian troops continue to advance towards the Ukrainian capital Kiev, with missiles hitting the city centre in recent days.
Fighting is also taking place on the outskirts of the city - including in Markhalivka, where seven people were killed yesterday.
Russia seized the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant on Friday, killing three Ukrainian soldiers and wounding two others.
It is recalled that Ukrainian personnel remain in the control room and that no radioactive material was leaked during the attack. News that a building next to the plant has caught fire caused panic as an accident at the nuclear reactors would be devastating for all of Europe. The occupation of the plant by the Russians enables them to control the country's largest energy infrastructure.
Control of the Black Sea
Meanwhile, fierce fighting continues in the south, with British intelligence noting this morning that Russian forces are "possibly" advancing towards Nikolayev
It is possible that Moscow may attempt to "bypass" the city to prioritise progress towards Odessa, a key Black Sea port city. Control of Odessa and would enable Russia to completely cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea, which appears to be in Moscow's plans.
Fighting continues in Chernihiv, Sumy and Kharkiv. As shown in the map below, Russia has deployed across its border with Ukraine
Maps from Sky News/ in.gr
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source[/URL]
