On Russian President's order
Russia's President has given orders to blockade the last remaining Ukrainian held area of Mariupol, deciding not to storm it.
The Russian Defence Minister says there are approximately 2,000 Ukrainian troops at a steel plant, which has become the last stand for Kyiv’s forces in the area.
Earlier, a top ally of Vladimir Putin claimed Moscow’s military would seize the city – in the south-east of Ukraine - today.
Yuriy Sak - the spokesperson for Ukraine's Ministry of Defence says - the Russian offensive is becoming more vicious by the day:
The United States says it doesnot view the testing of a new missile by Russia as a threat.
The Pentagon views the launch as routine - despite Vladimir Putin emphasising its importance.
