The Ukrainian city of Mariupol has been heavily hit day after day by Russian bombardments, even as families with small children attempt to flee. With each attack on a civilian target, worldwide condemnation grows.

The United Nations says at least 726 civilians have been killed. But the true death toll is likely much higher, and continues to rise.

Ukraine says the latest bombs hit a theater full of people seeking shelter from the airstrikes.

Russia has denied it, instead putting the blame on a far-right Ukrainian militia group.

Satellite footage shows the word "children" had been written in Russian both behind and in front of the theater.

A senior US defense official says Russian forces are still basically stalled near Kyiv.

Naval activity near the northern Black Sea may suggest the Russians are planning a new tactic in their assault on Odesa.

The International Court of Justice is ordering Russia to withdraw its troops and end Ukraine's suffering.

ICJ President Joan Donoghue said, "The court is profoundly concerned about the use of force by the Russian Federation in Ukraine, which raises very serious issues of international law."

Rulings at the ICJ are binding, but it has no way to enforce them.

Suits require the consent of both countries, and Russia wants nothing to do with it.

Still, the Ukrainian side has welcomed the result.

A lawyer representing Ukraine, Anton Korynevych, said, "The court told Russia that Russia must immediately stop, cease, suspend the military operations in Ukraine which started on the 24th February. So this is a complete victory for us, for Ukraine."

After three days of talks, negotiations seem to be progressing.

The two sides are reportedly discussing a security framework independent of NATO.

The head of Russia's delegation says Ukraine is proposing to be a neutral state, like Austria or Sweden.
But they want an independent army and navy.

Ukraine's negotiator says they need a "Ukrainian" solution with outside nations guaranteeing its security.