Russian invasion of Ukraine: Tens of thousands of civilians were killed during the fighting in the besieged city of Mariupol in Ukraine, the president claimed today (Monday). Vladimir Zlansky. “Mariupol has been destroyed, there are tens of thousands killed and Russia is not stopping its attacks,” the president clarified in an online speech to South Korean lawmakers.
Meanwhile, Russia announced today the destruction of S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems supplied to Ukraine by European countries. The Russian Defense Ministry noted that the missiles were hidden in hangars on the outskirts of the Ukrainian city of Dnipro and that 25 Ukrainian soldiers were injured in the attack.
CNN reported that Germany’s armed forces are preparing to carry out an evacuation flight that will carry wounded Ukrainian civilians. The plane took off from the city of Rzeszow in Poland and is expected to return with children and adults to be transferred for treatment in Germany.
Earlier today, Western intelligence reports were released claiming that Russia’s use of phosphorescent ammunition in the separatist province of Donetsk increases fears it will use them in battles in the city of Mariupol as well.
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New satellite images also documented a large Russian convoy in the Kharkiv city area, as part of preparations for an impending attack in the east of the country, and the head of the Ukrainian negotiating team clarified that a meeting between the presidents could take place only after Ukraine wins the battle over Donbas.
Maxar’s new footage taken Friday showed a convoy of hundreds of armored vehicles with artillery and other military vehicles moving along 12 miles and approaching the town of Vicky Burlock, apparently on its way to last week’s city of Isium. It is estimated that forces are preparing to attack the strategic city. Sloviansk, a critical destination for the Russians so that they can connect with the separatist forces in Donbas.