Russia Ukraine conflict: 300-mile offensive begins as Ukraine braces for more Russian strikes

Russian forces have launched their offensive in the east of Ukraine.

They have attacked a 300-mile long front in the Donbas region with numerous towns and cities coming under intense artillery fire and the city of Kreminna reported to have already fallen to the invading troops

Further south, Russian forces are said to have surrounded the last Ukrainians defending Mariupol – in a massive iron and steel works – where both civilians and fighters are believed to have taken refuge.

Warning: this report contains distressing images.