KYIV: Russia is continuing its attack in Ukraine even as the invasion enters the 22nd day. More than 2,400 deaths were reported in the strategic Ukrainian port city of Mariupol alone. However, the numbers are likely to go higher, said the authorities.

The people in Mariupol are struggling without food and electricity for the past 13 days. Around four lakh people are still trapped in the city. As per the latest reports, a main market in Kharkiv was burned down in a Russian attack.

Around 7,000 Russian soldiers were killed in the Ukraine counter attacks. More than 14,000 soldiers were injured.

At least 7,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine and more than 14,000 injured, according to U.S. estimates - NYT

— BNO News (@BNONews) March 17, 2022

The Mariupol mayor, who was kidnapped by Russian forces, has been freed after Ukraine agreed to exchange nine Russian soldiers who were captured. The Russian Kremlin has said that US President Joe Biden’s labelling Vladimir Putin as a ‘war criminal’ was an unforgivable rhetoric.

We will continue resistance to bring peace to our country. We will fight for our country and will continue seeking help from other nations to increase pressure on Russia, said Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He also appealed to the US Congress for further military assistance and more sanctions against Russia, including withdrawal of all American businesses.

In the wake of Russian invasion, countries such as the US, the UK, France, Albania, Norway and Ireland have called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Canada has decided to close its airspace to Belarus in support of the Russian invasion.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Russia to cease its military actions in Ukraine amid the intensifying aggression in the country. The court rejected Russia’s apparent justification that it was acting to prevent a genocide in eastern Ukraine saying that it was unfounded. Evidences validating the claims have not yet been produced, said the court.

The court had ruled in favour of Ukraine with a support of 13 votes. The judges representing Russia and China had voted against the verdict whereas, Justice Dhalveer Bhandari from India voted in favour of Ukraine. India had taken a neutral stance in the issue since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war. The court’s crucial judgement was following Ukraine’s complaint that Russia was invading their country and waging war.