Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened the existence of Ukrainian statehood as his army s invasion of the neighbour faces stiff resistance and his economy is increasingly asphyxiated by sanctions.
Russia s defence ministry announced a ceasefire to allow residents of two Ukrainian cities that were surrounded by Russian forces, including the strategic port city of Mariupol, to evacuate.
Invading Russian troops have blockaded the strategic Ukrainian port city Mariupol, its mayor announced Saturday, as Moscow and Kyiv aimed to hold new talks over the weekend.