Russian invaders have shelled the town of Polohy, Zaporizhia region, killing 20 civilians and 12 Ukrainian defenders. That's according to the PIK news portal, Ukrinform reports. "Polohy has been shelled for the second day, the last shelling ended this afternoon, but unfortunately the situation is still unknown. The shelling is carried out from the direction of Bilmak. The estimated number of civilian victims is 20. Twelve defenders in Polohy were killed (11 territorial defense fighters and one Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier). They were identified and handed over to their families," the statement reads. According to preliminary information, the Ukrainian military inflicted devastating losses on the enemy army in one of their locations. Earlier in Polohy, the occupiers destroyed a military registration and enlistment office. On February 24, Russian President Putin announced the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces have been destroying cities, killing civilians, shelling and destroying key infrastructure and residential houses.

According to Ukrinform, the head of the Donetsk regional military administration, Pavlo Kyrylenko, announced this on Telegram.

"Russian occupiers have taken doctors and patients hostage. One of the hospital employees managed to say this," he wrote.

Kyrylenko quoted the patient as saying: "It is impossible to leave the hospital. There's heavy shelling, we stay in the basement. Vehicles have not been able to get to the hospital for two days. High-rise buildings are burning around. […] Russians led 400 people from neighboring houses to our hospital. We can't leave."

As many as 2,187 residents of Mariupol were killed in attacks by the Russian Federation as of March 13.

The Russians caused the worst humanitarian catastrophe in Mariupol. Unable to defeat the Ukrainian army, the invaders are bombing civilians and blocking humanitarian aid.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops have been shelling and destroying key infrastructure, residential areas of Ukrainian cities and villages using artillery, multiple launch rocket systems and ballistic missiles.