After failing to take the capital, Russian forces go all in on Ukraine's eastern region,

firing on the city center in Kharkiv and destroying a humanitarian kitchen that fed refugees.

Meanwhile, those defending the besieced city of Mariupil continue to hold on for dear life

as Ukraine rejects Russians's demands to surrender,

where things stand with the war right now. Plus, President Zelensky's latest message to Europe

and to President Joe Biden about visiting Ukraine. And the other stories we're following this morning.

The number of migrants at the southern border hits a 20-year high and renewed concern about the supply chain and rising consumer prices.

Good morning and welcome to way too early on this Monday, April 18th.

I'm Jonathan Lemire.

Russian forces continued their offensive in

eastern Ukraine, stepping up attacks in the country's second largest city, Kharkiv. At least five

people were killed and 20 others injured when a barrage of Russian rockets hit the city center

yesterday, setting fire to several apartment buildings and a market. A day earlier,

Russian missiles hit a community kitchen that was run by chef Jose Andres and was being used to feed

refugees. Four of his staff members were injured in that attack. In his nightly address,

President Voldemir Zelenskyy called the bombing of Kharkiv, quote,

nothing but deliberate terror. He also said at least 18 people have been killed and over

100 injured by Russian shelling in the city over the past four days. Meanwhile, the fight for the

Biscite city of Maricopa continues as Ukrainian forces rejected an offer from

Russia to surrender. Moscow had given Ukrainian fighters until yesterday morning to lay down arms

or be, quote, eliminated. Over 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers are holed up in a steel plant in the city,

and officials say they have vowed to not surrender.

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