The Kremlin reacted angrily to U.S. President Joe Biden’s comments, warning that his words narrow the window for bilateral relations as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine entered its second month.
Macron Pushes for Ceasefire in Mariupol
French President Emmanuel Macron said he would speak to Vladimir Putin within two days to organize the evacuation of civilians from the heavily bombarded port city of Mariupol.
He told broadcaster France 3 that his task was to “achieve first a ceasefire and then the total withdrawal of Russian troops by diplomatic means,” stressing that escalation in words or actions must be avoided.
Mariupol Under Siege
Ukraine made another push on Sunday to evacuate civilians from Mariupol through aid routes, said Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk.
About 170,000 people remain trapped, and authorities fear around 300 civilians may have died in a Russian strike on a theatre used as a bomb shelter on March 17.
Biden Calls Out Putin in Warsaw Speech
In an impassioned speech in Warsaw, Biden declared: “For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power.”
Although the White House clarified that Washington was not seeking regime change, the Kremlin snapped back, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov accusing Biden of narrowing diplomatic opportunities.
Life Under Bombardment
In Kharkiv, where authorities reported over 180 artillery and rocket strikes in a single day, residents are resigned to constant bombardments.
“We don’t even go to the cellar anymore. If a bomb drops, we’re going to die anyway,” said resident Anna Kolinichenko. Others, like 72-year-old Tamara Osypchuk, turned to poetry to cope with the trauma of shelling in Irpin.
Ukrainian Forces Fight Back
Despite Russia’s larger military, Ukrainian forces continue to resist. The defense ministry said its troops had recaptured Trostianets near the Russian border, while in Donetsk and Lugansk, allied forces repelled seven attacks and destroyed eight tanks.
Meanwhile, Russian forces seized Slavutych, home to Chernobyl workers, briefly detaining the mayor. Residents protested, prompting Russian soldiers to fire shots and stun grenades.
Nuclear Safety Concerns
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed concern about the lack of staff rotation at Chernobyl’s nuclear plant, with workers unable to return home for rest for nearly a week.
Shifts in Strategy and Military Aid
While Russia signaled a shift of focus to eastern Ukraine, Biden cast doubt, saying he was “not sure” Moscow has changed objectives.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba hinted at progress in discussions about transferring Soviet-era fighter jets from Poland, noting the U.S. no longer objects.
President Volodymyr Zelensky again urged NATO allies to supply weapons and planes, stressing: “We are only asking for one percent of what NATO has, nothing more.”
