Russia tests ballistic missile to maneuver military might

Picture courtesy: The Guardian

A Ukrainian marine commander in Mariupol has made what he described "last address to the world" as they try to resist overwhelming Russian forces in the city. A Russian deadline for the surrender of Ukrainian forces has passed with no sign that the troops have complied.

Some civilians trapped for weeks in the besieged city of Mariupol have been able to leave, but officials say there were far fewer than hoped.

Donetsk's governor said they'd planned for buses to evacuate 6,000 women, children and elderly people. But Pavlo Kyrylenko said not many had left.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday said he had not seen or heard about the document that the Kremlin spoke passed to Kyiv containing “absolutely clear, elaborate wording” of its demands as part of peace talks and that it is now “waiting for a response" from the Ukrainian side.

Earlier, Russia said it had successfully test-launched the Sarmat missile, with President Putin heralding its prowess and ability to evade defences.

The UN says more than five million Ukrainians have now left the country since the Russian invasion began.