Satellite images show destruction in Mariupol; Zelenskyy says 100,000 trapped in ‘inhumane conditions’
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for more pressure on Russia as the war appears to be entering a period of stalemate.
In his latest video address, Zelenskyy said that about 100,000 people are still stuck in the port city of Mariupol under a “complete blockade” and suffering under “inhumane conditions.”
Russian air strikes have turned the besieged port city into the “ashes of a dead land,” the city council said , as the U.S. and Europe prepared to slap more sanctions on Moscow.
U.S. President Joe Biden said Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s “back is against the wall” and he could resort to using more severe tactics in Ukraine.
Amid few wins for Russia’s forces, and a continuing staunch resistance from Ukraine, Kyiv claimed on Tuesday that around 15,000 Russian soldiers have been killed so far in the fighting.
Residential buildings and factories in the southeastern city of Mariupol have been destroyed, according to satellite images taken on Tuesday by U.S. firm Maxar Technologies.
Maxar, which works with U.S. government agencies to provide commercial satellite imagery, released photos that showed damage to apartment buildings and a factory.
The latest batch of images, all dated March 22, also showed smoke billowing from buildings in Mariupol.
Around 100,000 people remain in the besieged Ukrainian port city of Mariupol under “inhumane conditions,” Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
“No food, no water, no medicine. Under constant shelling, under constant bombing,” he said in a video address, according to an English transcript by NBC News.
Ukraine has been trying to evacuate people from the city and bring in humanitarian aid for more than a week, Zelenskyy said. “Almost all our attempts, unfortunately, are disrupted by the Russian occupiers. By shelling or deliberate terror.”
The president also said that Ukrainian representatives are continuing “very difficult” negotiations virtually. “Step by step we are moving forward,” he said.
He said he was grateful for the support of international mediators and leaders. “Today was one of those days that allows us to say with confidence that the whole world is with us,” he said.