Mariupol is being “burned to ashes,” but it will “survive,” according to Zelensky. Mariupol is being “burned to ashes,” but it will “survive,” according to Zelensky.

The Ukrainian port city of Mariupol is being "turned to ashes" by Russia's military aggression, according to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, who added that the city will "survive" in a video speech published Monday.

Mariupol, which had a population of roughly 450,000 people before the war, has been under near-constant Russian shelling since early March, with satellite photographs revealing extensive residential destruction.

"What's occurring in Mariupol is a gigantic war crime," European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday.In his speech, Zelensky urged Ukrainians to "do everything in your power to preserve our country and save our people."

"We're witnessing more and more [Ukrainian] heroes" since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in late February. He described them as "ordinary Ukrainians who have transformed into true fighters."

The Ukrainian president further stated that ordinary Ukrainians are "rising," to the point where Russia "doesn't believe this is the reality," and that "we will make Russia believe."

He exhorted the Ukrainians to "fight, fight, fight," and "help."

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