The first convey of refugees prepares to leave Sumy via humanitarian corridor

The number of refugees fleeing Ukraine could reach 2 million by Wednesday, the UNHCR said Tuesday. Russia has opened "humanitarian corridors"  to evacuate civilians from the capital Kyiv as well as Cherhihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv and Mariupol, the Interfax news agency quoted the Russian defence ministry as saying on Tuesday. Follow our live blog for the day’s latest developments.

• Russia’s defence ministry said it would open humanitarian corridors from 0700 GMT Tuesday, subject to Ukraine’s approval, listing routes from Kyiv as well as the cities of Mariupol, Kharkiv and Sumy – all of which have been under heavy attack.
• The number of refugees fleeing Ukraine could reach 2 million by Wednesday, UNHCR head Filippo Grandi said Tuesday.
• Ukraine did not initially respond to the offer, with President Volodymyr Zelensky instead accusing Moscow’s troops of scuppering evacuation efforts, mining roads and destroying buses meant to carry people to safety.
• Zelensky broadcast his Monday night address from his office in central Kyiv, a first since Russia invaded. “I’m not afraid of anyone,” he said.
• Kyiv on Monday rejected a Russian offer to allow Ukrainians to escape via humanitarian corridors but only to Russia or Belarus. French President Emmanuel Macron called the offer “hypocritical” and criticised the “cynicism” exhibited by Moscow. 
• Russia on Monday boycotted a hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague at which Ukraine asked for a provisional measure ordering Russia to immediately halt the invasion.
• Russia continued its assault on several Ukrainian cities on Monday. There was fighting in the Kyiv suburb of Irpin, the southern port city of Mariupol has been under continuous bombardment and there was heavy fighting for control of the strategic Mykolayiv airport in the south.
• Local officials said Ukrainian forces on Monday had retaken control of the northeastern town of Chuhuiv.  
• More than 1.7 million people have fled Ukraine since the invasion began on February 24, according to the UN. The UN Security Council is set to hold a meeting on Monday to discuss the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

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