Stay updated with breaking news from Mail Force. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Mykolaiv is a key obstacle for Russian forces trying to move west from Crimea to take Odesa, Ukraine's major port on the Black Sea, and it has taken a battering since Putin launched his invasion.
Money from our generous readers is going to major aid organisations in Ukraine and surrounding countries helping refugees fleeing the invasion, which Dame Joan Collins praised on Monday.
Dmitry Peskov, who is a long-time ally of Russia's president Vladimir Putin, did not elaborate on what Russia would consider an existential threat.
IAN BIRRELL: Defections have been encouraged by the Ukrainian army with Russia now drawing up drastic measures to prevent their soldiers from leaving the battlefield.
Russia called on Ukrainian forces in Mariupol to lay down their arms, saying a 'terrible humanitarian catastrophe' was unfolding as it said defenders who did so were guaranteed safe passage.