A resident of Mariupol has claimed that children are dying of dehydration in the city after it was surrounded by Russian troops.
Over 300,000 people have been trapped in the city as bombs and airstrikes have rained down on them.
Maternity hospitals, children's wards, theatres and a school have all been struck by missiles, with the south-eastern city now being fenced off by Vladimir Putin's forces.
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One resident who managed to escape to a village around 20km away has explained that her city is "absolutely destroyed,"
Victoria told BBC 5 Live Breakfast: "People stay in the basement, but that isn't safe. They are bombing so hard basements are being destroyed."
There has been an extreme lack of access to food, water and electricity as the city continues to be targeted.
An ultimatum issued by Russian forces on Monday was rejected outright by the Ukraine government.
Victoria says that a majority of people don't have access to food and water.
"Three children I know died of dehydration. It is the 21st Century and children are dying from dehydration in my city. They are starving now." she told BBC.
Victoria adds that she was unable to help other family members leave Mariupol and is desperate to "take them out".
"I will stay in Ukraine and try and save my family in Mariupol. Mariupol is my life, I don't understand why I should leave my city, my country because of Russia."
US President Joe Biden has warned that he believes Vladimir Putin is "ready to use" chemical weapons in his quest to complete the invasion of Ukraine.
The brash statement from the White House comes as Russia's invasion of Ukraine enters a 27th day.
There were further attacks overnight on Monday, with a strong statement from the Ukrainian President in response.
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