Russian-Ukrainian war: what are we know on day 53 of in invasion | Russia

Mariupol appears to be close to falling under Russian control after a violent battle for in key port city. Ministry of Defense of Russia says he cleared the urban areas of forces of Ukraine, and at 3 a.m. GMT issued a “surrender or die” ultimatum to the remaining defenders says fell into a trap in Steel Plant. If it falls, it will be Russia. first capture of main city.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the situation in Mariupol remains “extremely serious”, but did not admit that he might fall. He warned that peace talks would derail if Russia killed the city’s remaining defenders. “liquidation of our troops of our men (in Mariupol) will put an end to any negotiations,” he said.

Zelensky spoke on Saturday for the British prime minister Boris Johnson, who praised for “bravery” of defenders of Ukraine and promised to “continue to provide funds for Ukraine to protect itself.”

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich went to Kyiv in attempt to resume peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, according to Bloomberg. Report based on unnamed sources, Abramovich said met Ukrainian negotiators in an attempt to salvage protracted negotiations.

Russia resumes scattered missile strikes on Kyiv and Western cities in Ukraine, with Several civilian casualties reported in Kharkov and in capital. Russia warned that step up its rocket attack after sinking of his flagship missile cruiser Moskva.

Mayor of Irpin, on west edge of Kyiv, says more than 70% of building in the city is damaged or destroyed Russian troops, according to Kyiv Independent. In a telegram post Alexander Markushin stated that the UN study, based on on satellite data showed that 115 buildings were completely destroyed. destroyed698 were significantly damaged and 187 were partially damaged.

Upcoming sixth round of EU sanctions on Russia will target oil and banks in specific Sberbank, in head of This was announced by the representative of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in an interview with the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag. The EU has so far spared Sberbank because it, along with with Gazprombank is one of in main channels for payments for Russian oil and gas.

The President of Ukraine warned that world “need to prepare” for possibility of Russia using nuclear weapon. He told reporters in Kyiv “we should not wait for Moment” Russia used chemical or nuclear weapons. “[They] can use any weapon I’m convinced of this,” he said.

Russian Foreign Ministry banned entry into the country for Johnson and other Britons government politicians and members in response to government”hostile actions” of Russia, including sanctions. Kremlin says it will expand restrictions against British politicians over what he calls “wave of anti-Russian hysteria.

Number of people evacuated from the cities of Ukraine through humanitarian corridors has significantly decreased on Saturday from the previous day. BUT total of 1449 people fewer than 2,864 people were evacuated. who escaped on Friday.

Pope Francis condemned the “darkness and cruelty of war” in Easter Saturday sermon in the Vatican. Francis said that his prayers were with four Ukrainian politicians in assembly, including the mayor of occupied city of Melitopol andfor all those who suffer.”