Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that it was time for Moscow to agree to “get together” to “discuss” peace seriously in order to avoid consequences for Russia “over several generations”, while the forces Russians claimed to have entered Mariupol after several days of siege. “Peace and security negotiations for Ukraine are Russia’s only chance to minimize the damage caused by its own mistakes,” Zelensky said in a video posted to Facebook, filmed on a deserted street at night. For its part, Russia has assured that it has used hypersonic missiles.
Russia says it used hypersonic missiles in Ukraine
The Russian Ministry of Defense said on Saturday that it had used “Kinjal” hypersonic missiles the day before to destroy an underground weapons warehouse in western Ukraine. This type of missiles, very maneuverable, defies all anti-aircraft defense systems, according to Moscow. Its use is a first in the conflict in Ukraine, according to the state agency Ria Novosti.
Mykolaiv military barracks bombed
In the south of the country, the Russian army intensifies its attacks. In Mykolaiv in particular, it bombed a military barracks. According to the first testimonies collected, 6 rockets devastated the barracks where there were 200 soldiers. At least 50 bodies have already been extracted from the rubble.
Zelensky urges Moscow to hold serious talks
“It’s time to come together. It’s time to discuss. It’s time to restore territorial integrity and justice for Ukraine,” pleaded the head of state. “Otherwise, he warned, the losses for Russia will be such that it will take several generations to recover.”
The head of the Russian delegation spoke early on Friday evening of a “reconciliation” of positions on the question of a neutral status for Ukraine – like Sweden and Austria – and progress regarding the demilitarization of the country. However, he noted “nuances” about the “security guarantees” demanded by Ukraine.
The main information:
- Russia says it used hypersonic missiles in Ukraine
- Zelensky calls on Moscow to “discuss” peace seriously
- Russian forces claim to have entered Mariupol
- 180,000 Ukrainians were able to get away from the fighting thanks to the humanitarian corridors
The fighting spreads, hotly contested Mariupol
The Russian army said on Friday that it had succeeded in entering and fighting in the city center alongside troops from the separatist “republic” of Donetsk. Taking Mariupol would be an important turning point in the war and would allow Russia to ensure territorial continuity between its forces coming from annexed Crimea (south) and the troops from Donbass (east). Ukrainian authorities on Wednesday accused the Russian air force of having “knowingly” bombed the Mariupol theater, which Russia has denied.
“More than a thousand” people had taken refuge in an air-raid shelter under this building, mainly “women, children and the elderly”, according to the town hall of this port on the Sea of Azov. Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that more than 130 survivors had been extricated from the rubble.
More than 180,000 Ukrainians were able to get away from the fighting thanks to the humanitarian corridors
According to the Ukrainian president, thanks to the humanitarian corridors set up in the country, more than 180,000 Ukrainians have been able to get away from the fighting, including more than 9,000 people from Mariupol. “But the occupiers continue to block humanitarian aid, especially around sensitive areas. It’s a well-known tactic. (…) It’s a war crime,” Zelensky said. Russia “will answer for this. 100%,” he insisted.