Tens of thousands of people were killed in Mariupol, Zelenski complained

Tens of thousands of people may have been killed in the Russian attack on Mariupol in southeastern Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the South Korean parliament today.

“Mariupol has been destroyed, there are tens of thousands dead, but despite this the Russians are not stopping their attack,” Zelensky said, according to Reuters.

Reuters could not verify the accuracy of its estimate of the death toll.

The Ukrainian president stressed that his country needs more help to survive this war, adding that Russia will not stop its attack unless forced to do so. Zelensky did not specify what kind of weapons he was asking for, but said South Korea had many weapons that could not only help save many lives of ordinary Ukrainians but also prevent a Russian attack on other countries.

“Ukraine needs a variety of military technologies, from aircraft to armor,” he told an South Korean lawmaker. “South Korea can help us,” he said.

Germany considers there to be “massive indications” of war crimes

Germany considers there are massive indications of war crimes in Ukraine, German Foreign Minister Analena Berbock said today as she arrived at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.

“We have massive indications of war crimes,” Burbock told reporters. “Ultimately the courts will have to decide, but for us it is important to secure all the evidence.”

“As the Federal Government of Germany, we have already made it clear that there will be a gradual complete decommissioning of fossil fuels, starting with coal, followed by oil and gas. In order for this to be implemented jointly with the EU, we need a common “coordinated plan”, the German minister estimated.

Borrell: Russian troops gather in the east to launch an attack on Donbas

The focus of the war in Donbas appears to be shifting, EU High Representative Josep Borrell said as he approached the Council of Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg.

“I am afraid that Russian troops are gathering in the east to launch an attack on Donbas. The Ukrainians are aware of this. I am afraid that the next day the war will intensify in Donbas,” said Josep Borrell.

At the same time, he pointed out that the European Ministers will discuss the effectiveness of the sanctions that have already been decided, as well as the next steps.

EU foreign ministers discuss more aid to Kyiv

The European Union’s foreign ministers will discuss in Luxembourg today options for further support for Ukraine, which has been under attack by Russia since February 24.

On the table, among other things, will be the proposal of the High Representative Giuseppe Borrell to release an amount of € 500 million for the supply of weapons and other military equipment to the Ukrainian forces.

Possible further sanctions against Russia will be discussed. Among other things, the imposition of an embargo on Russian oil is being considered. It has already been decided to ban imports of Russian coal into the EU.

On Friday, Mr Borrell visited Kyiv with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and assured the Ukrainian government of its full EU solidarity.

The Spaniard then made it clear that he considered it necessary to impose further sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, especially on Russian oil.

According to estimates by the Bruegel Research Institute, about 450 million euros worth of Russian oil is still consumed daily in the European Union.

Among other issues to be addressed by the current council of foreign ministers is the situation in Mali, Libya and Yemen.

In addition, the Global Gateway initiative, announced in 2021 and aimed at promoting the EU’s international influence, will be discussed.