Zelensky: The liquidation of Ukrainian troops in Mariupol will end negotiations with Moscow
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has warned Russia that peace talks would end if Kremlin forces “destroy” the remaining Ukrainian troops in Mariupol.
Elsewhere, Russia resumed bombing of Kiev with long-range missiles in retaliation for Ukrainian forces that sank its Black Sea flagship, Moscow.
This came after more than 1,000 soldiers defending the besieged city were forced to surrender when they ran out of ammunition and vital supplies.
Here are the latest developments in the conflict.
1. The “liquidation” of the last troops of Mariupol will complete the peace talks
The liquidation of the last Ukrainian troops trapped in the besieged port of Mariupol will end negotiations with Moscow, Mr Zelensky said in an interview with the Ukrainian Pravda news website on Saturday.
“It will be a stalemate because we are not negotiating with our territories or our people,” he said.
The strategic port of Mariupol has been one of the hardest hit since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February.
2. Russia launches new missile attacks on Kiev
Russia intensified airstrikes on Kiev on Saturday, killing one person at a tank plant a day after Moscow warned it would resume attacks in the Ukrainian capital after two weeks of relative calm.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least one person was killed and several others were injured in the attack.
Smoke billowed from the Darnirsky district southeast of the capital after Moscow said there were “high-precision shots” at the weapons plant.
“Our forces are doing everything to protect us, but the enemy is insidious and ruthless,” Klitschko said.
“It is no secret that the Russian general recently said that they were ready for a rocket attack on the Ukrainian capital. And, as we see, they are carrying out such a bombing.”
3. “Hundreds killed” after Ukraine sank Russia’s flagship
Hundreds of sailors are believed to have died on board the Russian flagship “Moscow” after it was sunk by Ukrainian missiles. Only a few dozen of the 510-man crew were reportedly rescued.
It took the Russian military almost a day to acknowledge the embarrassing loss of the pride of its Black Sea Fleet after it hit it early Thursday. Initially, the Kremlin claimed that it had caught fire after the explosion and was being taken back to land.
But the United States has since confirmed that the ship struck two Ukrainian strikes, most likely Neptune anti-aircraft missiles.
