The Russian offensive in Ukraine is entering its third month with thousands dead and millions displaced, as kyiv desperately seeks help for Ukrainians trapped in the battered city of Mariupol.
Russian military reports hit 423 Ukrainian targets overnight, including fortified positions and troop concentrations. (AFP)
Monday, April 25, 2022
Australia and New Zealand show support for Ukraine at ANZAC Day commemorations
Thousands of people gathered across Australia and New Zealand to honor military personnel on Anzac Day, after the pandemic canceled or limited public gatherings and commemorations for the past two years.
Today, Anzac Day honors all Australian and New Zealand troops from all conflicts.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who faces an election next month, attended the dawn service in the Northern Territory city of Darwin where he paid tribute to the people of Ukraine who are fighting the Russian offensive.
“On this special day, as we honor those who fought for our freedom and freedom, we stand with the people of Ukraine who are doing the same right now,” Morrison said.
Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Russia’s “invasion” of Ukraine shows peace cannot be taken for granted. “We in New Zealand may feel very removed from this conflict, but we are all inextricably linked to what it represents,” Ardern said during his Anzac Day speech in Auckland.
Ukraine. Civilians at steel mills beg for help
A recently released video shows Ukrainian children in an underground bunker receiving Easter gifts. The video was released by the far-right Azov Battalion, which is part of the Ukrainian forces at the Azovstal steelworks where soldiers and civilians were locked up under a Russian attack.
One of the women in the video pleads for help from world leaders and says she and others trapped under the factory are tired of the bombardment and are desperate for their freedom.
“We want to live in our city, in our country. We are tired of these bombardments, constant airstrikes on our lands. How long will this still last? she said through tears.
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Source: TRTWorld and agencies
