Putting the boot in to Putin: Zelensky says 16,000 Russian troops have now been killed as his forces prepare to take back city of Kherson TODAY and humiliated Vladimir scales back invasion to target Ukraine's east

 President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia has been beaten back by the 'powerful blows' of Ukrainian forces, with 16,000 of Putin's troops killed as the war entered its fifth week.

Zelensky's troops are preparing to take back the city of Kherson today, which was the first major city the invading forces took control of.

An adviser to the Ukrainian defence minister said he thought the city would be won back today.    

Markian Lubkivskyi told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I believe that today the city will be fully under the control of Ukrainian armed forces.

'We have finished in the last two days the operation in the Kyiv region so other armed forces are now focused on the southern part trying to get free Kherson and some other Ukrainian cities.'

Zelensky also welcomed a delivery of 1,500 German anti-aircraft missiles, while alleged war criminal Putin was said to be scaling back his invasion aims to 'liberating' Ukraine's eastern Donbas region as he continued to shell civilians. 

He made a surprise video appearance at Qatar's Doha Forum today, where he criticised Russia's war and called on the United Nations and world powers for more help. 

Putin may have dialled back his war aims to focus on eastern Ukraine after failing to break the nation's resistance in a month of fighting and attacks on civilians that included up to 300 feared killed after Russia bombed a theatre. 

However, Ukraine said Russia's suggestion it is retreating from Kyiv to focus on Donbas did not seem to be true.

Colonel Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, spokesman for the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, said today: 'Take into account there is a huge amount of misinformation coming from the Russian Federation. We cannot trust them.'

He added: 'At the moment we don't see any withdrawal of Russian troops from. We can't reduce the defence capacity of Kyiv.'

It came as a Western official reported that a seventh Russian general, Lieutenant General Yakov Rezanstev, had died in Ukraine and that a colonel had been 'deliberately' killed by his own demoralised men. 

US President Joe Biden met in Poland with two Ukrainian ministers on Saturday in the first face-to-face meeting between the US president and top Kyiv officials since Russia's invasion began. 

In an address last night Zelensky said: 'Over the past week, our heroic Armed Forces have dealt powerful blows to the enemy. Significant losses.'  

'I am grateful to our defenders who showed the occupiers that the sea will not be calm for them even when there is no storm. Because there will be fire.

A man hurries to walk away from a building that was just hit by Russian bombardment, and caught on fire, in the Moskovskyi district in Kharkiv

A man hurries to walk away from a building that was just hit by Russian bombardment, and caught on fire, in the Moskovskyi district in Kharkiv

A destroyed Russian MLRS (multiple launch rocket system) vehicles with the ammunition still intact can be seen in Kyiv

A destroyed Russian MLRS (multiple launch rocket system) vehicles with the ammunition still intact can be seen in Kyiv

Russian T80 tank captured by the Ukrainian service members is seen, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, near the town of Trostianets, in the Sumy region

Russian T80 tank captured by the Ukrainian service members is seen, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, near the town of Trostianets, in the Sumy region

Ukrainian service members inspect destroyed Russian military vehicles, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, near the town of Trostianets, in the Sumy region on March 25

Ukrainian service members inspect destroyed Russian military vehicles, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, near the town of Trostianets, in the Sumy region on March 25

In a surprise appearance by video link at Qatar's Doha Forum today (pictured) Zelensky called for more help from world powers

President Joe Biden joins a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the Marriott Hotel in Warsaw, Poland

It came ahead of a speech by President Biden later today that officials say will be a 'landmark'  address

It came ahead of a speech by President Biden later today that officials say will be a 'landmark'  address

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov made a rare trip out of Ukraine to see the American politicians

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov made a rare trip out of Ukraine to see the American politicians 

Zelensky said: 'Over the past week, our heroic Armed Forces have dealt powerful blows to the enemy. Significant losses'

Zelensky said: 'Over the past week, our heroic Armed Forces have dealt powerful blows to the enemy. Significant losses'Russian forces have carried out intense shelling of Ukrainian cities in an attempt to further their invasion of the country

Russian forces have carried out intense shelling of Ukrainian cities in an attempt to further their invasion of the country

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia has been beaten back by the 'powerful blows' of Ukrainian forces, with 16,000 of Putin's troops killed

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia has been beaten back by the 'powerful blows' of Ukrainian forces, with 16,000 of Putin's troops killed

Putin's Russian invaders reportedly fired at and damaged a Holocaust Memorial in Drobitsky Yar, on the outskirts of Kharkiv

Putin's Russian invaders reportedly fired at and damaged a Holocaust Memorial in Drobitsky Yar, on the outskirts of Kharkiv

Zelensky has welcomed a delivery of 1,500 German anti-aircraft missiles, while alleged war criminal Putin was said to be scaling back his invasion aims to 'liberating' Ukraine's eastern Donbas region as he continued to shell civilians. Pictured: Destroyed apartments in the city centre of Kharkiv, Ukraine on March 25

Zelensky has welcomed a delivery of 1,500 German anti-aircraft missiles, while alleged war criminal Putin was said to be scaling back his invasion aims to 'liberating' Ukraine's eastern Donbas region as he continued to shell civilians. Pictured: Destroyed apartments in the city centre of Kharkiv, Ukraine on March 25

A destroyed Russian T-72 battle tank can be seen at the outskirts of Kyiv Oblast. Ukraine's Ministry Defense claimed they have destroyed 561 Russian tanks

A destroyed Russian T-72 battle tank can be seen at the outskirts of Kyiv Oblast. Ukraine's Ministry Defense claimed they have destroyed 561 Russian tanks

FILE - Anti- tank barricades are placed on a street as preparation for a possible Russian offensive, in Odesa, Ukraine, March 24. The Black Sea port has been mining its beaches and as it prepared to defend itself against Putin's forces

FILE - Anti- tank barricades are placed on a street as preparation for a possible Russian offensive, in Odesa, Ukraine, March 24. The Black Sea port has been mining its beaches and as it prepared to defend itself against Putin's forcesBy restraining Russia's actions, our defenders are leading the Russian leadership to a simple and logical idea: talk is necessary. Meaningful. Urgent. Fair. For the sake of the result, not for the sake of the delay.'

Zelensky said the devastation of Mariupol was getting worse, with tens of thousands trapped in the southeastern city without water, food or heating.

He said: 'The situation in the city remains tragic. Absolutely tragic. The Russian military does not allow any humanitarian aid into the city.'

The Kremlin has disputed that 16,000 Russian troops have been killed, claiming the figure is just 1,351.  

Russia said it destroyed an ammunitions and weapons storage site with Kalibr cruise missiles on March 25 and in the same day had hit fuel depots and Ukrainian strongholds in a huge operation across the country. 

Major General Igor Konashenkov claimed Russia had destroyed 1,618 Ukrainian tanks and 1,453 special military vehicles during the operation.

Major General Igor Konashenkov (pictured) claimed Russia had destroyed 1,618 Ukrainian tanks and 1,453 special military vehicles during the operation

Major General Igor Konashenkov (pictured) claimed Russia had destroyed 1,618 Ukrainian tanks and 1,453 special military vehicles during the operation

Russia said it destroyed an ammunitions and weapons storage site with Kalibr cruise missiles on March 25 and in the same day had hit fuel depots and Ukrainian strongholds (pictured)

Russia said it destroyed an ammunitions and weapons storage site with Kalibr cruise missiles on March 25 and in the same day had hit fuel depots and Ukrainian strongholds (pictured)Ukraine's General Staff of the Armed Forces said its troops were continuing to fend off Russian attacks on Kyiv. 

It said Russia has had trouble replacing its fighters after a series of hard-fought battles and that the Kremlin's equipment was in 'poor technical condition' because of 'negligent prior exploitation and prolonged storage'.

It said this meant Russia's capability in Ukraine was severely hindered. Other cities across Ukraine are holding against ongoing Russian attacks.

Chernihiv, which is north of Kyiv, is surrounded by Russian troops. The city's mayor, Vladyslav Atroshenko, said on Saturday the 'whole city is destroyed completely'.

He said: 'For us it's easier for us to count which buildings have not been damaged.  

'Residential buildings, schools, hospitals, children's libraries have been bombed. 

'There have been mass killings by mines or artillery that has hit a line of innocent civilians who are waiting in line to buy bread, to buy some food. What sort of military structure is that? It's just a food shop.'

He said he was collecting people's testimonies of the bombings to use against Russia in international courts.

'Russia has been consciously committing crimes,' he said. 'The Russians have been consciously shelling on peaceful civilians for several weeks. They have been killing peaceful citizens.' 

He added Western countries that continued to buy Russian energy 'sponsor our shelling, they sponsor the killing of our population'.

An unexploded ordnance on the floor of an apartment in the northern city of Chernihiv on March 25. Chernihiv mayor said the city was 'destroyed completely'

An unexploded ordnance on the floor of an apartment in the northern city of Chernihiv on March 25. Chernihiv mayor said the city was 'destroyed completely'

Ukrainian forces have hit back at Russia in Chernihiv. Troops destroyed a Russian cargo truck (pictured) that was allegedly carrying thermobaric rockets, which can supposedly melt people's organs

Ukrainian forces have hit back at Russia in Chernihiv. Troops destroyed a Russian cargo truck (pictured) that was allegedly carrying thermobaric rockets, which can supposedly melt people's organs 

Chernihiv, which is north of Kyiv, is surrounded by Russian troops. The city's mayor, Vladyslav Atroshenko (pictured), said on Saturday the 'whole city is destroyed completely' (File image)

Chernihiv, which is north of Kyiv, is surrounded by Russian troops. The city's mayor, Vladyslav Atroshenko (pictured), said on Saturday the 'whole city is destroyed completely' (File image)

Chernihiv city mayor Vladyslav Atroshenko and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky pictured together in 2020, before Putin's army invaded Ukraine

Chernihiv city mayor Vladyslav Atroshenko and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky pictured together in 2020, before Putin's army invaded UkraineJoe Biden met in Warsaw with Ukrainian ministers Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov this morning.

It was a possible sign of growing confidence in the fightback against Russian forces.   

The officials discussed 'the United States' unwavering commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity,' State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters.

Blinken and Austin 'pledged continued support to meet Ukraine's humanitarian, security, and economic needs,' he added. 

Biden last met Kuleba in Washington on February 22, two days before Russia began its assault. Since then, Kuleba has also met with Blinken in Poland next to the border with Ukraine on March 5.

The US President is on the second and final day of a visit to Poland after he met with EU and NATO leaders in Brussels earlier in the week. 

He will also make a 'key, important, landmark speech' after the meeting with the Ukrainian officials, authorities told Sky News.

After talking to the Ukrainian ministers, Biden met with Polish President Andrzej Duda at the presidential palace.

On Friday, the US president spoke to US soldiers stationed in Poland near the Ukrainian border and aid workers helping refugees fleeing the conflict.

He praised Ukrainians for showing 'backbone' against the Russian invasion and referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as 'a man who, quite frankly, I think is a war criminal'.

'And I think we'll meet the legal definition of that as well,' he said.

The mangled remains of Russian military vehicles and equipment beside charred trees in a field near Trostianets, eastern Ukraine

The mangled remains of Russian military vehicles and equipment beside charred trees in a field near Trostianets, eastern Ukraine

Three Ukrainian soldiers inspect the wreckages of multiple Russian military vehicles on March 25 in  the Sumy region

Three Ukrainian soldiers inspect the wreckages of multiple Russian military vehicles on March 25 in  the Sumy region

A burnt out Russian armoured car at the side of a dirt road near the town of Trostianets, in the Sumy region of Ukraine

A burnt out Russian armoured car at the side of a dirt road near the town of Trostianets, in the Sumy region of Ukraine

Destroyed Russian military vehicles are seen, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, near the town of Trostianets, in the Sumy region, Ukraine March 25

Destroyed Russian military vehicles are seen, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, near the town of Trostianets, in the Sumy region, Ukraine March 25Ukrainian service members inspect destroyed Russian military vehicles, including the barrel of a tank's main gun

Ukrainian service members inspect destroyed Russian military vehicles, including the barrel of a tank's main gun

A destroyed Russian tank is seen, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, near the town of Trostianets, in the Sumy region, Ukraine March 25

A destroyed Russian tank is seen, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, near the town of Trostianets, in the Sumy region, Ukraine March 25

Two destroyed Russian APC (armoured personnel carrier) can be seen in the Kyiv region of Ukraine

Two destroyed Russian APC (armoured personnel carrier) can be seen in the Kyiv region of Ukraine

: A man looks for his belongings in the rubble of his house located in the town of Byshiv on the outskirts of the city of Kyiv, Ukraine on March 25

: A man looks for his belongings in the rubble of his house located in the town of Byshiv on the outskirts of the city of Kyiv, Ukraine on March 25

Russia was filmed firing three missiles from a submarine at Ukrainian ammunition stores on Saturday
Russian Major General Igor Konashenkov said they were Kalibr cruise missiles

Russia was filmed firing three missiles from a submarine at Ukrainian ammunition stores on Saturday. Russian Major General Igor Konashenkov said they were Kalibr cruise missilesZelensky compared Russia's destruction of the port city of Mariupol to the Syrian and Russian destruction wrought on the city of Aleppo in the Syrian war.

He said: 'They are destroying our ports. The absence of exports from Ukraine will deal a blow to countries worldwide.'

He added: 'The future of Europe rests with your efforts.'

He called on countries to increase their exports of energy - something particularly important as Qatar is a world leader in the export of natural gas.

He criticised Russia for what he described as threatening the world with its nuclear weapons. 

Kuleba and Reznikov met with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier today

Kuleba and Reznikov met with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier today

President Joe Biden eats pizza as he visits with members of the 82nd Airborne Division at the G2A Arena, on March 25, in Jasionka, Poland

President Joe Biden eats pizza as he visits with members of the 82nd Airborne Division at the G2A Arena, on March 25, in Jasionka, PolandAn apartment block was ripped to shreds after an airstrike carried out by Russian forces on a residential area of Kyiv

An apartment block was ripped to shreds after an airstrike carried out by Russian forces on a residential area of Kyiv

The missile strikes happened on March 25 and tore a huge hole in the side of this Kyiv block of flats, as the war entered its fifth week

The missile strikes happened on March 25 and tore a huge hole in the side of this Kyiv block of flats, as the war entered its fifth week

Another apartment block in Kyiv had windows blown out after air strikes on the same day in the Ukrainian capital

Another apartment block in Kyiv had windows blown out after air strikes on the same day in the Ukrainian capital

A destroyed apartment is seen after Russian forces were ordered by Putin to continue shelling in Kyiv on Friday, March 25

A destroyed apartment is seen after Russian forces were ordered by Putin to continue shelling in Kyiv on Friday, March 25

Cars were crumpled after debris fell on them during a Russian air strike in residential areas of Kyiv on March 25

Cars were crumpled after debris fell on them during a Russian air strike in residential areas of Kyiv on March 25

Ukraine has disabled 20 Russian battalions, Western officials said today, as a Kremlin army chief hinted that Moscow may scale back its all-out attack on its neighbour and instead focus on 'liberating' the eastern Donbas region. Pictured: (L-R) Sergei Rudskoi, a senior representative of the General Staff, Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov and Mikhail Mizintsev, head of the Russian National Defence Control Centre, hold a briefing on Russian military action in Ukraine, in Moscow on March 25, 2022

Although the number of Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn homeland and crossing into Poland jas fallen in recent days, the total number of people that have left is close to three million.

The number of people fleeing Ukraine for Poland has started to fall in recent days, with 30,500 crossing on Friday, down 6.4 per cent from the previous day.

The Polish Border Guard said only 30,500 people had made the border crossing on Friday. A 6.4 per cent decrease on the previous day.

By 6am on Saturday just 6,100 people had made the crossing, a figure down 11 per cent for the same time frame on Friday.

The UN said 3.7 million people have fled Ukraine as refugees of the war, which accounts for 8.5 per cent of the population.

Refugees wait for transport after fleeing the war from neighbouring Ukraine at the border crossing in Medyka, southeastern Poland, on Saturday, March 26

Refugees wait for transport after fleeing the war from neighbouring Ukraine at the border crossing in Medyka, southeastern Poland, on Saturday, March 26

A woman cradles a baby in the ticket hall at Przemysl Glowny train station on March 26, after fleeing the Russian invasion

A woman cradles a baby in the ticket hall at Przemysl Glowny train station on March 26, after fleeing the Russian invasion

Refugees wait for transport after fleeing the war from neighbouring Ukraine at the border crossing in Medyka, southeastern Poland, on March 26

Refugees wait for transport after fleeing the war from neighbouring Ukraine at the border crossing in Medyka, southeastern Poland, on March 26

Refugees board a train bound to Krakow, at Przemysl Glowny train station in Poland on the border with Ukraine

Refugees board a train bound to Krakow, at Przemysl Glowny train station in Poland on the border with Ukraine 

Ukrainian refugees board a train to Krakow, at Przemysl Glowny train station at 10am on Saturday March 26

Ukrainian refugees board a train to Krakow, at Przemysl Glowny train station at 10am on Saturday March 26

By 6am on Saturday just 6,100 people had made the crossing into Poland from Ukraine, a figure down 11 per cent for the same time frame on Friday

By 6am on Saturday just 6,100 people had made the crossing into Poland from Ukraine, a figure down 11 per cent for the same time frame on Friday 

The UN said 3.7 million people have fled Ukraine as refugees of the war, which accounts for 8.5 per cent of the population

The UN said 3.7 million people have fled Ukraine as refugees of the war, which accounts for 8.5 per cent of the population

The number of people fleeing Ukraine for Poland has started to fall in recent days, with 30,500 crossing on Friday, down 6.4 per cent from the previous day. Pictured: Ukrainian refugees rest in the ticket hall at Przemysl Glowny train station

The number of people fleeing Ukraine for Poland has started to fall in recent days, with 30,500 crossing on Friday, down 6.4 per cent from the previous day. Pictured: Ukrainian refugees rest in the ticket hall at Przemysl Glowny train station

Refugees from Mariupol get out from a van that they used as transport as they arrive at a refugee center in Zaporizhia, Ukraine

Refugees from Mariupol get out from a van that they used as transport as they arrive at a refugee center in Zaporizhia, Ukraine

Ukrainian refugees look out from a bus at a refugee center in Zaporizhia, southeastern Ukraine on Friday, March 25

Ukrainian refugees look out from a bus at a refugee center in Zaporizhia, southeastern Ukraine on Friday, March 25

A Ukrainian soldier passes by a destroyed Russian artillery system 'Grad', in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Thursday, March 24, 2022. But the update - combined with the West's claim that Russia has lost 20 out of the 120 battalions originally massed on Ukraine's border - is the latest sign that Vladimir Putin has rolled back his ambitions, and is on the run

A Ukrainian soldier passes by a destroyed Russian artillery system 'Grad', in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Thursday, March 24, 2022. But the update - combined with the West's claim that Russia has lost 20 out of the 120 battalions originally massed on Ukraine's border - is the latest sign that Vladimir Putin has rolled back his ambitions, and is on the run

In one attack on Friday, Ukraine said a Russian missile attack had hit a military command centre in the city of Vinnytsia in central Ukraine. Kyiv officials reported the attack on Friday, adding it was unknown if there were any casualties. The Ukrainian air force posted an image (pictured) of the alleged centre in rubble and said missiles had hit 'several buildings, causing significant damage to infrastructure'

In one attack on Friday, Ukraine said a Russian missile attack had hit a military command centre in the city of Vinnytsia in central Ukraine. Kyiv officials reported the attack on Friday, adding it was unknown if there were any casualties. The Ukrainian air force posted an image (pictured) of the alleged centre in rubble and said missiles had hit 'several buildings, causing significant damage to infrastructure'

A cyclist rides past by houses destroyed by shelling in Kharkiv, Ukraine on March 25, 2022

A cyclist rides past by houses destroyed by shelling in Kharkiv, Ukraine on March 25, 2022Volunteers and neighbours try to extinguish a fire at a house shelled by the Russian army in Horenychi, in the Bucha Raion of the Kyiv Oblast

Volunteers and neighbours try to extinguish a fire at a house shelled by the Russian army in Horenychi, in the Bucha Raion of the Kyiv Oblast

Volunteers and neighbours try to extinguish a fire at a house shelled by the Russian army in Horenychi, Ukraine, March 25

Volunteers and neighbours try to extinguish a fire at a house shelled by the Russian army in Horenychi, Ukraine, March 25Russia is deliberating bragging they can destroy with nuclear weapons, not only a certain country but the entire planet,' Zelensky told Qatar's Doha Forum today.

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also said today that Britain will give £2million of food supplies to areas of Ukraine encircled by Russian forces in Putin's 'barbaric invasion'.

The announcement followed a direct request from the government of Ukraine.

Warehouses in Poland and Slovakia are being readied to supply goods to Ukraine from early next week.

Around 25 truckloads will be delivered by road and rail to the Ukrainian communities in greatest need.

It is estimated over 12 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance across Ukraine, with the actual figure likely to be much higher, the government said.

Foreign Secretary Truss said: 'This vital donation of food and supplies will help support the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia's barbaric invasion.

'Our teams are working day and night with our Polish and Slovakian friends and the government of Ukraine to ensure those at most risk get the essential supplies they so badly need.' 

President Zelensky said more than 37,000 people had been evacuated from encircled cities after 18 humanitarian corridors were created this week. 

A possible Russian backtrack came ahead of a planned meeting by US President Joe Biden with Ukrainian refugees in Poland and talks with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda in Warsaw before he gives a speech on the 'brutal war', the White House said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered the February invasion to destroy Ukraine's military and topple pro-Western President Volodymyr Zelensky, bringing the country under Russia's sway. 

A local resident points at an apartment building destroyed in the course of Ukraine-Russia conflict in the besieged southern port city of Mariupol, Ukraine March 25, 2022

A local resident points at an apartment building destroyed in the course of Ukraine-Russia conflict in the besieged southern port city of Mariupol, Ukraine March 25, 2022

But Sergei Rudskoi, a senior general, suggested a considerably reduced 'main goal' of controlling Donbas, an eastern region already partly held by Russian proxies.

His surprise statement came as a Western official reported that a seventh Russian general, Lieutenant General Yakov Rezanstev, had died in Ukraine and that a colonel had been 'deliberately' killed by his own demoralised men.

Complicating Moscow's challenges, invasion troops were facing a counteroffensive in Kherson, the only major Ukrainian city under Russian control.

Flames and smoke rise from a fire following a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Friday, March 25, 2022

Flames and smoke rise from a fire following a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Friday, March 25, 2022

Firefighters battle a blaze following a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Friday, March 25, 2022

Firefighters battle a blaze following a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Friday, March 25, 2022

A man recovers items from a burning shop following a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Friday, March 25

A man recovers items from a burning shop following a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Friday, March 25

Children sit in a refugee center in Nadarzyn, near Warsaw, Poland, on Friday, March 25, 2022. Millions of refugees have fled Ukraine into neighbouring countries to escape the invasion

Children sit in a refugee center in Nadarzyn, near Warsaw, Poland, on Friday, March 25, 2022. Millions of refugees have fled Ukraine into neighbouring countries to escape the invasionRefugees and volunteers have lunch together at the Kust volunteer center of Dnipro in the restaurant in Dnipro, Ukraine on March 25, 2022

Refugees and volunteers have lunch together at the Kust volunteer center of Dnipro in the restaurant in Dnipro, Ukraine on March 25, 2022

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addresses the Ukrainian people, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 25, 2022

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addresses the Ukrainian people, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 25, 2022

Visiting Rzeszow, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Ukraine, Biden praised Ukraine's 'incredible' resistance, comparing the conflict to a bigger version of communist China's 1989 crushing of protests in Tiananmen Square.

Biden told soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division that the struggle in eastern Europe represents a historic 'inflection point'.

'Are democracies going to prevail... or are autocracies going to prevail? And that's really what's at stake,' Biden said.

The US leader was briefed on the humanitarian situation, with more than 3.7 million refugees fleeing Ukraine, most of them into Poland.

Earlier, he ended a trip to Brussels for meetings with Western allies by announcing new measures to help the European Union shed dependence on imported Russian energy.

The plan is part of a sea change in the West, which for years has shrunk from direct confrontation with the Kremlin, but now seeks to make Putin a pariah.Smoke and flames rise over the port of Berdyansk, located in the south of Ukraine and occupied by Russian forces, as Kyiv's navy claimed to have hit the Orsk - a huge Russian tank-carrier

Smoke and flames rise over the port of Berdyansk, located in the south of Ukraine and occupied by Russian forces, as Kyiv's navy claimed to have hit the Orsk - a huge Russian tank-carrier

Here's how YOU can help: Donate here to the Mail Force Ukraine Appeal

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For, surely, no one can fail to be moved by the heartbreaking images and stories of families – mostly women, children, the infirm and elderly – fleeing from the bombs and guns.

As this tally of misery increases over the coming days and months, these innocent victims of this conflict will require accommodation, schools and medical support.

Donations to the Mail Force Ukraine Appeal will be used to help charities and aid organisations providing such essential services.

In the name of charity and compassion, we urge all our readers to give swiftly and generously.

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Fire from the sea: Russian sub appears to launch rockets at Ukraine
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