Day 27 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the battle intensifies for the strategic city of Mariupil.

Refusing to back down, Ukraine rejects Russia's ultimatum to surrender.

And with Russia having failed to secure a quick victory, President Biden says Vladimir Putin is now considering chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine

and cyber attacks against the United States.

We'll break down all that's at stake as President Biden prepares to travel to Belgium to meet with NATO allies.

Good. Good morning and welcome to way too early.

On this Tuesday, March 22nd.

I'm Jonathan Lemire, and we'll start with the news.

Ukrainian president, Voldemir Zelensky, remains defiant in the face of Russia's demand for Ukraine to surrender the perceived city of

Mariupil and lay down their weapons. In a new televised address yesterday, Zelensky said

surrender was never an option and that Russia would, quote, first have to destroy us to get

their ultimatum fulfilled. Russian forces have said they will only allow civilians to evacuate if Ukraine

surrenders. People brief on the matter tell the financial times that Maripal is a sticking point

in peace talks between Kiev and Moscow because it is part of the Ukrainian-held territory claimed

by Russian-backed separatists. The seizure of Marialupil would give the Russians

control of much of Ukraine's southern coast along the Sea of Azoth. Two associated press

journalists were the only international media who remained in Maripal after the war broke out. Both

of them stayed on for weeks as Russian forces battered the Keyport City, documenting

the horrors firsthand. Yesterday, they said they were forced to flee after appearing on a Russian

hit list. The two journalists recount being chased by the Russians for nearly three weeks before

finally escaping. One of them writes, quote, if they catch you, they will get you on

camera and they will make you say everything you filmed is a lie. All your efforts and everything

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