A second attempt to evacuate civilians in Ukraine collapses following renewed Russian shelling

During a citizens’ escape from the town of Irpin, just outside of Kyiv this weekend, Russian artillery and airstrikes left destruction to homes, roads, and even a town bridge. Much like other parts of the country, like in besieged Mariupol, where Ukrainian officials say humanitarian corridors are at a halt again because of ongoing shelling from the Russian forces breaking a negotiated cease-fire.

Leaving trapped civilians desperately short of food, water, and other supplies. Ukrainian officials say much of the country’s interior is under their control including Kyiv, adding a mile-long Russian column is stalled from threatening the capital but Russian troops have encircled much of eastern regions.

According to the UN, since the invasion began, 364 people including more than 20 children are dead and hundreds more are injured.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to call for NATO support, following the western alliance’s reluctance to impose a no-fly zone in Ukrainian airspace. Saying, “it’s our humanitarian duty to protect us, to protect civilians and you can do it, and if you don’t do it, then at least send us some more planes to defend ourselves. The only thing we think is that you want us to be killed slowly.” Russian President Vladimir Putin says such a move, would signal the west to be involved in the military action.

Allied forces say shipments of defence equipment are on the way today. U.S. and European troops were deployed at an airbase in Romania to ramp up defense preparations.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis says, “from a security perspective NATO has accelerated measures to ensure the readiness of the allied forces and is working on the long-term consolidation of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture on the eastern flank.”

Prime minister Justin Trudeau landed in Europe to meet with ally leaders on Sunday, beginning with a meeting on Monday in London to discuss the intensifying situation in Ukraine. Later in the week, he heads to Latvia and Poland and he’s due to meet the secretary-general of NATO as well.

Ukrainian and Russian officials will hold talks for a third time on Monday, likely discussions about a cease-fire agreement.