Russia's deadline for Ukrainian troops in Mariupol to surrender has passed, as defenders in the key port city continue to defy Moscow's ultimatum.

Russia had demanded that Ukrainian fighters in Mariupol lay down their weapons by 1 p.m. on Sunday, local time. A statement said the lives of those who do so would be spared.

Ukraine's Azov Battalion has been defending Mariupol. Maxim Zhorin, a commander of the group, told NHK on Sunday that more than 14,000 Russian troops have converged on Mariupol, seizing control of more than 50 percent of the city.

But he said Ukrainian defenders will continue fighting and will never surrender.
Zhorin added that Ukrainian fighters that had been deployed around Kyiv were heading off to defend Mariupol.

Meanwhile, Russian defense ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov said that foreign mercenaries were fighting along with Ukrainian troops. He warned that all those who continue to resist will be destroyed.

As the deadline for surrender passed, Russia's state-run RIA news agency quoted a local commanding officer as saying Russia's proposal has been ignored. The news agency said Russian forces were prepared to step up their offensive.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said on social media on Sunday that her government is demanding once again that Russia open a humanitarian corridor for civilians, especially women and children, to evacuate safely from Mariupol.