Russia is apparently beginning its major offensive in the east of the country. The situation in the embattled port city of Mariupol is dramatic. And Russia again attacked the Lviv region. The events of War Day 54 at a glance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed the start of the Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine. “We can now confirm that the Russian troops have started the battle for the Donbass, for which they have been preparing for a long time,” said Zelenskyy in the evening in a speech distributed by the Messenger service Telegram. “A very large part of the whole Russian army is now being used for this offensive,” he explained.
Ukraine will oppose this. “No matter how many Russian troops are driven there: we will fight,” Zelenskyy assured. You will defend yourself and give up nothing.
The governor of the Luhansk region, Serhiy Hajday, had previously reported on Facebook about the start of the attack: “It’s hell. The offensive we’ve been talking about for weeks has begun.” There is fighting in Rubishne and Popasna and “constant fighting in other peaceful towns,” the governor added.
The West is also the target of Russian attacks: According to the authorities, at least six people were killed by Russian rockets in the city of Lviv (formerly Lemberg) on Monday. It was the first dead there.
After more than seven weeks of war, the offensive in the east had been expected for days. According to Moscow, the Russian troops had withdrawn from the greater Kyiv area. According to the General Staff in Kyiv, advances in the direction of Barvinkove and Sloviansk in the Donetsk region are now expected. Governor Hajdaj reported that control of the small town of Kreminna had been lost. There are street fights, an evacuation is no longer possible. “The situation is getting worse every hour.” In Kreminna about 4,000 of the 18,000 inhabitants before the war are said to be still holding out.
The events of War Day 54 at a glance:
Russia continues attacks
In addition to the dead, many people were injured in the rocket attack on Lviv, including a child, according to the mayor. Four or five strikes were reported. Military installations are said to have been hit, but also civilian buildings such as a tire service and a hotel. The Old Town of Lviv is a World Heritage Site. There are several military installations in the vicinity of the city. It is considered an important transhipment point for arms deliveries from the West.
Dramatic location in the embattled port city of Mariupol
Fighting also continued in Mariupol. The Ukrainian General Staff reported rocket and bomb attacks. Tu-22M3 supersonic bombers would also be used. The Ukrainians did not follow the call to surrender. Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal announced a fight “to the end” on US broadcaster ABC. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Russia of wanting to raze Mariupol to the ground. There, several thousand Ukrainian fighters are said to have holed up in a steelworks – and there are also numerous civilians.
Discussion about arms deliveries continues
In the EU and in Germany, arms deliveries to Ukraine continue to be debated. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen appealed to the EU countries: “It applies to all member states that those who can should deliver quickly, because only then can Ukraine survive in its acute defensive struggle against Russia,” she told “Bild am Sonntag”. . Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is accused of further hesitation. Referring to the Russian offensive, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi warned: “Those who have the weapons and ammunition we need and who are holding back their help must know that the fate of this battle also depends on them.”
Germany has so far supplied Panzerfaust, anti-aircraft missiles and machine guns, as well as vehicles, night vision goggles and protective equipment. However, Ukraine is also demanding heavy weapons such as battle tanks, artillery pieces and combat helicopters. Scholz is also accused of hesitation in his own coalition. The federal government announced on Friday that more than half of the total of two billion euros for military purchases in partner countries should go to Ukraine. But that didn’t end the debate about arms deliveries.
No escape corridors and no success in negotiations
No further progress was in sight in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to end the war. The Kremlin accused Kyiv of often changing its line. Nevertheless, negotiations will continue at expert level. For the second day in a row, the parties were also unable to agree on escape corridors for civilians. Most recently, almost 1,500 people reached safe areas via such routes on Saturday.
Pope Francis speaks of “Easter of War”
Pope Francis used the Easter celebrations to call for peace. “Disputes, wars and disputes may give way to understanding and reconciliation,” said the Catholic Church leader on St. Peter’s Square in Rome. According to the UN, more than 4.9 million of Ukraine’s former 44 million population have fled since the Russian invasion began on February 24. In addition, more than seven million people have been displaced across the country.
The federal police registered more than 357,000 refugees from Ukraine in Germany by Monday. However, the actual number is likely to be higher. There are no fixed controls at the borders. People with Ukrainian passports are allowed to stay in the EU for 90 days without a visa.
The events of War Day 54 can be read in the stern live blog
Source: Stern
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
