Ukraine accuses Russia of seizing relief workers from Mariupol convoy

Ukrainian leaders accuse Russia of seizing 15 rescue workers and drivers from a humanitarian convoy trying to get desperately needed food and other supplies into the bloodied port city of Mariupol.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky estimates that 100,000 civilians remain in Mariupol, scene of some of the war’s worst devastation, as Russia presses a nearly month-old offensive by bombarding cities and towns.

Zelensky accuses Russian forces of blocking the aid convoy despite agreeing to the route ahead of time.

“We are trying to organize stable humanitarian corridors for Mariupol residents, but almost all of our attempts, unfortunately, are foiled by the Russian occupiers, by shelling or deliberate terror,” Zelensky says.

The Red Cross confirms a humanitarian aid convoy trying to reach the city had not been able to enter.

The convoy’s attempt to deliver assistance came as Russian navy vessels joined in what have been weeks of Russian air and land strikes into Mariupol, US officials say.

A senior US defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to give the Pentagon’s assessment, says Russian ships in the Sea of Azov added to the shelling of Mariupol. The official says there are about seven Russian ships in that area, including a minesweeper and a couple of landing vessels.