Odessa

Addressing the soldiers, Putin pointed out that they are fighting "for our people in Donbas, for the security of our homeland."

The evacuation of civilians from Mariupol continues.
The leaders of the group of seven most developed countries in the world promised at an online meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that they would further isolate Russia economically.

The frigate "Admiral Makarov" - one of the newest in the Russian Black Sea Fleet - was hit by Ukrainians near the notorious Snake Island, Ukrainian media reported.

So far, neither army has confirmed or denied the news.

It was reported by the Odessa edition of "Dumskaya" yesterday and spread instantly in the Ukrainian media.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced this morning that the Russian forces carried out missile strikes on targets in many regions of Ukraine, with the goal of destroying the transport infrastructure.

Here are the highlights of events related to the war in Ukraine over the past 24 hours:

The attacks on the Mariupol Metallurgical Plant have resumed, a Ukrainian official was quoted as saying by BTA.

Civilians were evacuated yesterday, but hundreds remain trapped in the besieged Azovstal.

"The Moldovan government has done nothing to provoke possible attacks by Russia." This was explained in an interview for the Bulgarian National Radio by Alexander Lambov from the "Bulgarian Spirit" Foundation in Moldova:

Moscow is already paving the way for the conquest of Moldova, the British Times writes, adding that the invasion of the former Soviet republic could take place on May 9. According to the British edition on May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin may declare recognition of the independence of the Transnistrian Moldovan Republic.

"Between 700 and 800 soldiers from Italy will arrive in Bulgaria to participate in the NATO Multinational Battle Group on our territory." This was announced by Bulgaria's Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov in an interview with the Bulgarian National Television.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that he will suspend peace talks with Russia if the last defenders of Mariupol are killed. The strategically important city has been under siege by Russian forces for weeks, and planned evacuations have been canceled due to heavy shelling.

The United States' top diplomat and defence chief were Sunday set to make their first wartime visits to Kiev since Russia invaded Ukraine two months ago, with fierce battles raging in the east of the country.

The trip by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin comes as the war enters its third month with thousands dead and millions displaced.