A convoy of 11 buses driving toward Mariupol to rescue trapped residents was captured by Russian forces, along with 15 humanitarian workers and drivers, according to the Ukrainian government.
The buses, along with workers and drivers, have been moved to an undisclosed location, according to Ukraine’s report.
“We are trying to organize stable humanitarian corridors for Mariupol residents, but almost all of our attempts, unfortunately, are foiled by the Russian occupiers, by shelling or deliberate terror,” Zelensky said in a nightly video to Ukrainians on Tuesday evening, according to an Associated Press report.
The news comes as more than an estimated 100,000 Ukrainians remained trapped inside the city. More than 7,000 people were evacuated from Mariupol on Tuesday, Zelensky said in his video.
“According to Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk, ‘it is reported that the vehicles will be seized, and people may or may not be allowed to leave,'” the Kyiv Independent reported.
⚡️Russia's proxies have captured an evacuation convoy from Mariupol near the town Mangush on the agreed-upon route.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk, “it is reported that the vehicles will be seized, and people may or may not be allowed to leave.”
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 22, 2022
Zelensky addressed Italian lawmakers on Tuesday in a virtual address that highlighted the Russian destruction of Mariupol, describing it as being “like Armageddon.” The Daily Wire reported:
Zelensky’s speech occurred shortly after a call earlier in the morning with Pope Francis. He began his remarks by referring to his conversation with the Pope, saying, “I told him that our people have become the army, reminding him how much Ukraine has seen the evil that the enemy brings, how much devastation it leaves and how much bloodshed.”
Talked to @Pontifex. Told His Holiness about the difficult humanitarian situation and the blocking of rescue corridors by Russian troops. The mediating role of the Holy See in ending human suffering would be appreciated. Thanked for the prayers for Ukraine and peace. pic.twitter.com/wj4hmrTRGd
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 22, 2022
The news also comes as President Joe Biden leaves for Europe, including a planned stop in Poland, to discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with leaders in Brussels.
“On this trip we will make clear that the West is united in our defense of democracy. Putin thought he would divide us, but we are stronger than at any time in recent history. We stand with Ukraine and we will continue to ensure Putin pays a heavy economic price for his actions,” Biden said in a statement.
On this trip we will make clear that the West is united in our defense of democracy. Putin thought he would divide us, but we are stronger than at any time in recent history. We stand with Ukraine and we will continue to ensure Putin pays a heavy economic price for his actions.
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 22, 2022
Biden’s stop in Brussels will include a summit with NATO leaders where he is expected to reaffirm support for Article 5. The agreement states “that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all.”
“I think the meeting of all heads of state and government in NATO will provide us with yet another platform to demonstrate our unity, our support to Ukraine, but also our readiness to protect and defend all NATO allies,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday. “And by sending that message, we are preventing an escalation of the conflict to a full-fledged war between NATO and Russia.”