Several Ukrainian cities have been shelled in the last month but none more so than Mariupol'. Once a bustling port city it has now been reduced to rubble. Heavy fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces for the control of Mariupol' has destroyed the city, both sides control parts of the city. So far about 150,000 people have fled the city, 170 000 remain and are surviving without running water, electricity, heat, or food. Ukrainian officials on Monday said that at least 5,000 people have died in the catastrophic humanitarian situation, that has gripped Mariupol'.
Amnesty International has also accused Russia of committing war crimes. Russian state television showed images of widespread destruction in Mariupol, as well as cars lining up to leave the city also showing a video of the city's destroyed theater and airport. The port city lies on the sea of Azov and its total capture would allow Russia to link areas in the east held by pro-Russian separators for the Crimean peninsula annexed by Moscow back in 2014. Seizing the port would also deprive Ukraine of a resupply route with the outside world on its southern black sea coast.