- Ukraine ignores Russian ultimatum to surrender city of Sievierodonetsk.
- NATO defence ministers discuss sending more heavy weapons to replenish Kyiv’s dwindling stocks.
- Russia had announced humanitarian corridor for civilians trapped in chemical plant.
“The evacuation routes are perilous, but there are some,” Sievierodonetsk’s mayor remarked.
On Wednesday, NATO defence ministers met in Brussels; to discuss providing more heavy weaponry to Kyiv to refill its depleted inventories; despite a Russian ultimatum to relinquish the eastern city of Sievierodonetsk.
From Wednesday morning, Russia had instructed Ukrainian forces holed up in a chemical plant in the destroyed city; to quit “senseless resistance and lay down guns,” bolstering its position in the war for control of eastern Ukraine.
Read More: Sievierodonetsk last routes have been closed off by Russia
Russian-backed rebels were quoted by RIA news agency; as saying that plans proposed by Moscow to provide a humanitarian passage for those trapped in the facility. The separatists intended to transport the civilians to territory they controlled.
Read More: French journalist killed by Russian shelling