220 Russian troops from one unit ‘refuse to take part in invasion’, Ukraine says; journalist ‘goes missing’ near Kyiv; world being ‘held hostage’ by nuclear threat | Ukraine latest

Russian forces have captured 11 bus drivers and four rescue workers, along with their vehicles, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister has claimed. 

Iryna Vereshchuk’s comments came as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian troops had blocked a humanitarian convoy trying to reach the besieged city of Mariupol. 

Mr Zelenskyy claimed the route had been agreed with Russia in advance. 

Speaking in his evening address to the nation, he said: “We are trying to organize stable humanitarian corridors for Mariupol residents, but almost all of our attempts, unfortunately, are foiled by the Russian occupiers, by shelling, or deliberate terror.” 

Sky News has not been able to independently verify these reports. 

More than 7,000 people were evacuated from Mariupol on Tuesday. 

Earlier, Mr Zelenskyy said 100,000 people are still living in the port city without food, water, or medicine. 

The region is a key target for Russia and has come under a barrage of attacks since the invasion of Ukraine began.