Russia hits theater accommodating civilians in Ukraine: Official

By Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) - The deputy mayor of the southeastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol said a theater building holding women and children was targeted by Russian fighter jets on Wednesday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Sergey Orlov said the incident occurred late in the afternoon and that there is no confirmed information on casualties, yet.

Orlov added that the building was serving as a shelter to at least 1,000-1,200 people.

Interior Ministry official Anton Gerashchenko said on Telegram: "Occupants (Russians) dropped a very powerful bomb on the drama theater in Mariupol."

Russian forces also continued their attacks on residential areas in the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, as well as the cities of Kharkiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia through late Tuesday and early Wednesday, according to Ukrainian authorities.

The Russia-Ukraine war, which began on Feb. 24, has drawn international condemnation, led to financial sanctions on Moscow, and spurred an exodus of global firms from Russia.

At least 726 civilians have been killed and 1,174 injured in Ukraine since the beginning of the war.

More than 3 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries, according to the UN.