According to diplomats, the UN Security Council will conduct a fresh session to consider the Russian attack on Ukraine on Thursday, at the request of France and Mexico, marking the 16th session since the war began on February 24.

Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the international community has attempted to maintain pressure on it by meeting at least once a week. In reaction to the West’s hostile actions and the escalation of sanctions against Moscow, Russian media said today that it does not intend to shut its embassies.

An assistant to the mayor of the city of Mariupol in southern Ukraine confirmed that at least 100 civilians are still in a steel factory that is subjected to intense Russian bombing.