Bombing survivors found in Mariupol as evacuations continue

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said crews have rescued roughly 130 people from the rubble of a theater that was bombed Wednesday, but hundreds more might still be trapped inside. The theater, located in the southeastern city of Mariupol, had been serving as a shelter for civilians. Russian forces have also attacked Ukrainians who are fleeing the fighting via nine evacuation corridors throughout the country. According to the latest United Nations estimates, 3.2 million people have fled Ukraine, but more than 6.5 million others have been displaced within the country while searching for safety.

What is Russia’s next move? Russia demanded that Ukrainians in Mariupol lay down their arms Monday in exchange for safe passage out of town, but Ukraine rejected the offer. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the fact that Russian troops have yet to establish air dominance or claim certain major cities indicates President Vladimir Putin did not expect such robust resistance. Britain’s defense intelligence chief said Russia is likely shifting to a strategy of attrition to wear down the outnumbered Ukrainian forces. The UN announced that it has delivered the first convoy of humanitarian aid to the northeast city of Sumy, providing 130 tons of medical supplies, bottled water, and meals.

Dig deeper: Read Mary Muncy’s report in The Sift about Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians this week.