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The desperate escape from Mariupol

Ukraine's south eastern city of Mariupol has been relentlessly bombarded by Russian forces in recent days with homes being destroyed and residents forced to flee. A ceasefire, and a chance for people to leave, was announced on Saturday morning, where an estimated 200,000 people are trapped under heavy bombardment.

The city arranged 50 buses, and many people were ready to begin their journey out, but it's alleged that the Russia's army resumed shelling, trapping those civilians who had tried to make a move.

Newsday spoke to Diana who had just escaped the city. She said the constant shelling, lack of heating and water had turned her home into "hell". She said her dash to safety was a "suicide mission", adding, "It was a choice between a long death or a short one."

Photo: Evacuees from Mariupol area arrive at a refugee camp in the settlement of Bezymennoye, in the Donetsk region, Ukraine Credit: Reuters

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5 minutes