Ukraine sees openings as Russia fixates on besieged Mariupol

Inside Mariupol, which has been surrounded by Russian forces for more than a month and suffered by some of the war’s worst attacks, conditions remain dire and prospects for escape uncertain.

Ukrainian servicemen check the streets for booby traps in the formerly Russian-occupied Kyiv suburb of Bucha (Vadim Ghirda/AP)

Residents of Ukraine’s besieged south-eastern coast were awaiting possible evacuation on Sunday as the country’s president said Russia’s obsession with capturing a key port city has left it weakened and created opportunities for his troops.

Two loud explosions were heard in Odesa on the Black Sea early on Sunday and black smoke was seen rising above the city, Ukraine’s largest port and headquarters of its navy.