Ukraine war live updates: Zelenskyy says fighting back 'the most important decision of our lives'
It is day 51 of the war in Ukraine, as Russian forces are expected to begin a new big offensive in the east of the country after their retreat from the Kyiv region and other parts of the country revealed growing evidence of human rights atrocities.
Despite Moscow's blanket denials, horrific discoveries of civilian murders, torture and other barbaric acts continue coming to light, with Ukrainian authorities claiming tens of thousands of civilian casualties in Mariupol alone.
Kyiv forces continue to prepare for the renewed assault, while Western nations keep tightening sanctions against Moscow and NATO and condemnations of Vladimir Putin's actions continue to grow.
Follow Friday's events as they unfold in our blog below, or watch TV coverage in the video player above.
The flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet has sunk after it was badly damaged and its crew evacuated due to a possible Ukrainian missile hit on Thursday. The Kremlin claims it was due to a fire that broke out on the vessel, not an attack.
Russia has threatened a military build-up should Finland or Sweden join NATO.
Kyiv said it's reached an agreement with Moscow to reopen humanitarian corridors in Mariupol.
Russia claims Ukraine has struck its territory with airstrikes. This cannot be independently verified.
More than 4.6 million refugees have fled Ukraine since Russia's invasion, with millions being displaced internally, mostly in the western parts of the country.
Additionally, 4.8 million of Ukraine’s 7.5 million children have been displaced since 24 February, said UNICEF.
Read more on euronews.com
