Russia-Ukraine war: Key things to know about the conflict

The battle for the strategic Ukrainian port city of Mariupol is raging on as Russia’s war on Ukraine, now in its 26th day, shows no signs of abating. Ukraine has rejected a Russian offer to evacuate its troops from the besieged city and Russian bombardment continues. One refugee says 90% of the city has been destroyed. City officials said last week that at least 2,300 people have died. Russia and Ukraine are talking but haven’t bridged the diplomatic gap. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday said he’s prepared to consider waiving any NATO membership bid in exchange for a cease-fire, the withdrawal of Russian troops and a guarantee of Ukraine’s security.