Ukraine has rejected Russian calls to surrender the port city of Mariupol, where residents are running out of supplies.

The besieged residents are stuck with little food, water and power in a humanitarian crisis situation.

This is increasing pressure on European leaders to toughen sanctions against Moscow.

Meanwhile, according to UK Defense Ministry Russia is likely going to prioritize encircling Kyiv over the coming weeks.

The ministry says this is despite to what had been termed continued lack of progress, adding that Kyiv remains Russia’s primary military objective.

The ministry added that heavy fighting continues north of Kyiv.

Agencies