More than 1.3 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia’s invasion on February 24 (Photo) Lukasz Glowala/Reuters)
As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its eleventh day, we take a look at the major developments.
These are the key events so far from Sunday, March 6.
Mariupol to attempt civilian evacuation
The Ukraine port city of Mariupol, which is surrounded by Russian troops, said it will restart efforts to evacuate its civilian population after earlier efforts were frustrated by ceasefire violations.
Zelenskyy speaks to Biden
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy holds a phone conversation with his US counterpart, Joe Biden to discuss ongoing efforts to provide financial support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
Earlier, he had pressed US legislators for additional funding and an embargo on Russian oil imports. The White House has so far ruled out such a ban for fear of driving up consumer prices.
Ukraine leader thanks Musk
Zelenskyy also speaks to SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk and thanks him for giving Ukraine access to his company’s satellite internet system, Starlink. “I’m grateful to him for supporting Ukraine with words and deeds,” Zelenskyy said in a tweet. “Next week we will receive another batch of Starlink systems for destroyed cities.”
The Ukrainian leader also jokes they discussed possible space projects, which he would talk about “after the war”.
Visa and Mastercard suspensions
Card payment giants Visa and Mastercard join the growing list of international brands refusing to do business with Russia.
Ceasefire attempt fails
Russia resumes its offensive against the besieged southeastern city of Mariupol after a ceasefire agreed to allow the evacuation of civilians breaks down.
Each side blames the other. Officials in Mariupol had announced plans for a large-scale evacuation during the ceasefire but later said they had to postpone the operation in the face of continued Russian shelling.
Russia accused Ukrainian forces in Mariupol of blocking residents from leaving. Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF) warns that the humanitarian situation in the city is “catastrophic” and that it is “imperative” to set up a humanitarian corridor.
Approaching Kyiv
Russian forces inch closer to the capital, Kyiv, from the north and the west. Reports describe scenes of widespread destruction in the northern town of Chernihiv, where dozens of civilians have been killed in shelling, missile attacks and air raids.
Putin threatens statehood
Russian President Vladimir Putin, warns Ukraine it might lose its statehood if its leaders “continue to do what they are doing”.
He also directs threats at NATO, saying any countries imposing a no-fly zone over Ukraine will be considered enemy combatants, while equating the global sanctions on his country to a declaration of war.
Zelenskyy has pleaded for a no-fly zone, but NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, rejects the call, saying it could lead to a wider war in Europe.
Refugee numbers grow
More than 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine into neighbouring countries since the Russian invasion began last week, the United Nations says.
Israeli PM visits Putin
Putin holds three-hour face-to-face talks with Naftali Bennett, Israel’s prime minister. Bennett, who has not joined the chorus of world leaders forcefully condemning Russia’s attack, later speaks with Zelenskyy.
Aeroflot suspends international flights
Russian flagship airline Aeroflot says it is suspending all its flights beginning March 8, except to neighbouring Belarus. The move compounds the international isolation of Russia, which is already being shunned by foreign airlines and travel operators.
More talks planned
One of Ukraine’s negotiators says a third round of talks with Russia on ending the fighting will take place on Monday.
Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
