Ukrainian defenders in Mariupol are tying up a 'significant' amount of Russian forces that are needed elsewhere for Putin's invasion, UK says

The amount of Russian troops and equipment that will be needed elsewhere is being tied up by Ukrainian defenders in Mariupol.

The UK's Ministry of Defense said on its website that a large number of troops would need to be sent to eastern Ukraine.

Mariupol, which has remained under Ukrainian control despite constant bombardment by Russian forces, may be limited by the ongoing campaign.

The Russian military has been bombing the southern port city for weeks. Schools, shelters, theaters, and hospitals have been targeted by Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians could be dead in Mariupol.

Western and NATO officials have said that Russian troops moved away from the northern part of the country to focus on the eastern part of the country.

The upcoming military campaign would require significant force levels, according to the UK intelligence, as Russia is trying to concentrate its forces ahead of the offensive.

Satellite imagery and videos show military convoys heading to the region.

Zelenskyy warned that it could be a big war like the world has not seen in hundreds of years.

The residents of the region were warned to leave. Dozens were killed in a Russian rocket strike on a train station in Kramatorsk as people tried to flee the area.