Mariupol mayor calls for “complete evacuation” of the city

Ukraine has slowed a few of Russia’s advances, however a number of cities are being hit with missiles, a presidential adviser mentioned. Russian forces continued missile strikes throughout Ukraine Sunday night, together with the cities of Lutsk, Kharkiv, Zhytomyr and Rivne, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned, whereas shelling has been reported across the outskirts of Kyiv.

In the meantime, Zelensky mentioned he is able to settle for a impartial, non-nuclear standing as a part of a peace take care of Russia.

Listed below are the most recent developments:

Russian forces trying ‘hall’ round Kyiv, officers say: Ukraine’s deputy protection minister mentioned Monday that Russian forces have been trying to ascertain a “hall” across the Ukrainian capital to dam provide routes, amid continued combating round Kyiv’s suburbs.

Russian strikes proceed: Ukrainian presidential adviser Mikhail Podoliak mentioned the cities of Lutsk, Kharkiv, Zhytomyr and Rivne have been amongst the areas hit by Russian missiles on Sunday. “Increasingly more missiles day-after-day. Mariupol beneath the ‘carpet’ bombing,” he mentioned. “Russia not has a language, humanism, civilization. Solely missiles, bombs and makes an attempt to wipe Ukraine off the face of the earth.” A loud explosion adopted by sirens have been additionally heard in Kyiv early Monday, in keeping with CNN groups on the bottom.

Most Russian features in Mariupol space are within the south: Most of Russia’s army features close to the port metropolis of Mariupol are within the southern areas, in keeping with the UK’s newest intelligence replace. Additional to its report, the UK’s Ministry of Defence mentioned there was “no vital change to Russian Forces tendencies in occupied Ukraine.”

Kremlin involved by Biden’s remarks: The Kremlin is worried by US President Joe Biden’s feedback about Russian President Vladimir Putin, spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned Monday, including that Biden’s feedback would proceed to be monitored. Biden mentioned on Saturday that Putin “can not stay in energy.” Biden and White Home officers later sought to stroll again and make clear the President’s feedback, including that he was not calling for regime change in Russia.

Peace talks will resume Tuesday: Russia-Ukraine negotiations are set to renew in-person in Istanbul, Russian Overseas Minister Sergey Lavrov mentioned Monday. Zelensky mentioned in a video posted to social media that peace and the restoration of regular life are the “apparent” objectives of Ukraine. “Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are past doubt. Efficient safety ensures for our state are necessary,” he mentioned. Zelensky additionally instructed journalists Sunday {that a} impartial, non-nuclear standing for Ukraine within the type of a “severe treaty” was acceptable as a part of a take care of Russia, however any settlement must be put to a referendum.

Ukraine guarantees “rapid investigation” after video surfaces: An virtually six-minute-long video exhibits what seem like Ukrainian troopers taking pictures males who’re apparently Russian prisoners within the knees throughout an operation within the Kharkiv area. Requested concerning the video, a senior presidential advisor, Oleksiy Arestovych, mentioned: “The federal government is taking this very significantly, and there will likely be a direct investigation. We’re a European military, and we don’t mock our prisoners. If this seems to be actual, that is completely unacceptable conduct.” CNN shouldn’t be exhibiting the video.

Putin eyeing “Korean state of affairs”: Ukraine’s army intelligence head mentioned Putin could possibly be trying to carve Ukraine in two – like North and South Korea. Brig. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov mentioned Russia’s operations round Kyiv had failed and it was now inconceivable for the Russian military to overthrow the Ukrainian authorities. Putin’s battle was now centered on the south and the east of the nation, he mentioned. “[Russian forces] will attempt to impose a dividing line between the unoccupied and occupied areas of our nation. In truth, it’s an try and create North and South Korea in Ukraine,” he mentioned.