Aerial Footage Captures Scale Of Destruction In Mariupol

Shocking footage has surfaced capturing the scale of destruction in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol. 

The city appears desolate following continued attacks from Russian forces over the past two weeks. 

Plumes of smoke can be seen rising from residential areas and apartment buildings, despite Russian officials maintaining they have not targeted civilians. 

Authorities have now estimated more than 2,100 residents have died in the city of Mariupol. 

Presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych accused Russian forces of continuing to block humanitarian aid from reaching the city. 

And the crisis appears to be reaching its boiling point, as the International Committee of the Red Cross warned that “time is running out” for residents that urgently need access to humanitarian aid. 

Ukraine’s deputy prime minister Iryna Vereschuk said they will “once again” attempt to evacuate civilians through 10 humanitarian corridors, including Mariupol, on Monday. 

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The news comes after it was announced that the pregnant woman rescued from the maternity hospital in Mariupol had died.

The woman was pictured holding her stomach on a stretcher after the hospital was hit by a Russian airstrike. 

Unfortunately, the Associated Press confirmed the woman and her baby had passed away after being transferred to another hospital. 

Initially, three people were said to have died in the attack, along with 17 injured, however that number has now risen. 

There are now thought to be around 2.5 million refugees fleeing from Ukraine. 

In a recent U-turn, the UK have pledged to hand over £350 a month to any household that adopts refugees into their home. 

The Homes for Ukrainian Refugees scheme aims to help tens of thousands of Ukrainians who have fled from their home country. 

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Health Secretary Sajid Javid appeared on BBC Breakfast with the news, where he said there would be ‘no cap’ on the number of people who can be supported through the scheme. 

'I'm pleased that we're doing this because as a country we have a very proud record of offering sanctuary to people from wars and from conflicts,' he added. 

The new scheme will allow UK citizens to nominate an individual or family to stay with them rent-free, or in another property, for at least six months. 

More details of the scheme are set to follow. 

If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information.