A Russian soldier's text message to his mother, that was sent before he was killed during conflict with Ukrainian forces, has been heard by the United Nations.
Ukraine's UN Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya read the soldier's message, where he described a "real war waging" and told his mother, "this is so hard".
During an emergency special session on Russia's invasion, the message was read out.
The soldier's message read: "Mama I'm in Ukraine. There is a real war raging here. I'm afraid. We are bombing all of the cities together, even targeting civilians.
"We were told that they would welcome us and they are falling under our armoured vehicles, throwing themselves under the wheels and not allowing us to pass.
"They call us fascists. Mama this is so hard".
The soldier is said to have been responding to a text from his mother, where she asked about the possibility of his father sending him a package.
In her message, she wrote: "How are you doing? Why has it been so long since you responded? Are you really in training exercises?"
He responded: "What kind of a parcel mama can you send me? What are you talking about? What happened?"
Britain's UN Ambassador Dame Barbara Woodward joined others at the UN in condemning Russian attacks on Ukraine, accusing the Kremlin of launching "indiscriminate attacks against men, women and children".
A man walks through the site of yesterday's blast targeted at the TV tower, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine March 2, 2022. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
UMIT BEKTAS
Ms Woodward issued a warning about the future of Ukraine, saying the country may be on the verge of a "humanitarian catastrophe".
"Missiles have rained down on Kharkiv, with cluster munitions hitting residential areas and injuring residents," she added.
"Disruption to supply chains has caused food shortages in Kramatorsk.
"The reckless bombing of an oil depot in Vasylkiv has unleashed toxic fumes in nearby communities.
"Violence in Kyiv has forced people to seek refuge underground, with many thousands, including the elderly and disabled, unable to evacuate".
Russia has renewed its assault on Ukraine’s second-largest city in a pounding that lit up the skyline with balls of fire over populated areas, even as both sides said they are ready to resume talks aimed at stopping the new devastating war in Europe.
The escalation of attacks on crowded cities followed an initial round of talks between outgunned Ukraine and nuclear power Russia on Monday that resulted in only a promise to meet again. It was not clear when new talks might take place — or what they would yield. Ukraine’s leader earlier said Russia must stop bombing before another meeting.
Seven days into the war, roughly 874,000 people have fled Ukraine and the UN refugee agency warned the number could cross the one million mark soon. The overall death toll was not clear, but Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said more than 2,000 civilians have died. It was impossible to verify that claim.
Countless others have taken shelter underground as Russia continues its bombardment.