These are the key events so far from Wednesday, March 3, the eighth day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:
Russia advances in the south
Russian forces take the Black Sea city of Kherson in southern Ukraine, a significant victory for Moscow after a string of military setbacks. Russian forces also surround Mariupol, where “terrifying fighting” is reported.
Kharkiv bombarded
Ukraine’s second city Kharkiv continues to come under severe Russian shelling, with police and university buildings among the latest struck.
‘Massive explosions’ heard in Kyiv
Ukrainian media say several “massive explosions” have been heard in the capital, Kyiv, triggering air-raid sirens amid fighting on the outskirts of the capital.
UK says Russian convoy ‘delayed by staunch resistance’
The miles-long Russian military convoy north of Kyiv remains more than 30km (18 miles) from the capital as a result of it having been delayed by “staunch Ukrainian resistance” and logistical issues, the United Kingdom’s defence ministry says.
First Russian toll
Russia says 498 of its troops have been killed in Ukraine, its first declared death toll since President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion on February 24. The true number of casualties on each side is not known. The United Nations has recorded at least 227 civilian deaths, but says the real toll is likely higher.
War crimes probe
The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor says an active probe into possible war crimes in Ukraine “will immediately proceed” after his office received the backing of 39 countries.
Ceasefire talks
The second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine may start in Belarus at 1200 GMT, Belarusian state news agency Belta quoted chief Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky as saying.
UN demands Russia’s withdrawal
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopts a resolution demanding Russia “immediately” withdraw from Ukraine. Moscow wins support from only four other nations – Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea and Syria.
Russian jets enter Swedish airspace
The Swedish Armed Forces say four Russian fighter jets entered Sweden’s air space to the east of the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea.
1 million refugees flee fighting
More than a million refugees have now fled the fighting in Ukraine, with the UN calling it the fastest exodus of people this century. “In just seven days we have witnessed the exodus of one million refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring countries,” the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, says in a Twitter post.
Wounded Russian troops in Belarus
The Associated Press, citing doctors and residents, said Russian soldiers wounded in fighting around Kyiv are being ferried to a Belarus hospital near the Ukraine border.
Russian superyachts in the Maldives
At least five superyachts owned by Russian billionaires have been anchored or cruising in the Maldives, an Indian Ocean island nation that does not have an extradition treaty with the United States, ship-tracking data showed.
Amazon CEO pledges support for Ukraine
Amazon is using its logistics capability to get supplies to those in need and cybersecurity expertise to help governments and companies as part of its support for Ukraine, Chief Executive Andy Jassy has said.
Source: Al Jazeera and News Agencies