ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian troops are solidifying their positions around the nation’s second-largest city as Russian forces deliver more punishing attacks on an embattled steelworks in the southern port of Mariupol. The Russians are hoping to complete their conquest of Mariupol and make other notable gains in time for Victory Day celebrations on Monday. As the holiday commemorating the Soviet Union’s World War II victory over Nazi Germany approached, cities across Ukraine prepared for an expected increase in Russian attacks. Officials urged residents numbed by more than 10 weeks of war to heed air raid warnings. Ukrainian officials said four Russian cruise missiles fired from aircraft hit the southern region of Odesa on Saturday.
Ukraine braces for escalated attacks ahead of Russia’s V-Day
