Ukrainian refugees near 1.5 million as Russian assault enters 11th day

Ukrainian negotiators said a third round of talks with Russia on a ceasefire would go ahead on Monday, although Moscow was less definitive

Women hold hands while crossing the Irpin river on an improvised path under a bridge that was destroyed by a Russian airstrike, while assisting people fleeing the town of Irpin, Ukraine, on Saturday. Picture: Vadim Ghirda/AP

The number of refugees fleeing Ukraine was expected to reach 1.5m on Sunday as Russia's attack continued for an 11th day and Ukraine pressed for further Western help, including more sanctions and weapons.

Ukrainian police said there was relentless Russian shelling and air raids in the northeast Kharkiv region, reporting many casualties, while the U.N. World Health Organization said there had been several attacks on Ukrainian healthcare facilities.