Thread by @fulelo

Ukraine news 🧵 on @bbcworldservice at 0700 AM GMT on 21.03 - listen live: bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/li…

Ukraine has ignored a Russian deadline for the surrender of the besieged southern city of Mariupol, saying there could be no question of soldiers laying down their arms. Russia

had offered to give fighters safe passage out of Mariupol - along with civilians - as long as they gave up their weapons. An advisor to the mayor said Russia's promises could not be trusted, and the defenders would fight to the last soldier. Around 300 000 people

remain trapped in the city, which has been devastated by Russian bombardment. The defence ministry in Moscow has admitted that a terrible humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding there.

Ukrainian officials say Russian shells have hit a chemical factory near the besieged northeastern city of Sumy, causing an ammonia leak. The provincial governor said an area of several square kilometres was affected by the toxic gas. Residents have been told to stay in basements

or at lower levels of buildings to avoid exposure. The city of Sumy itself is not thought to be in danger because of the prevailing wind direction. Ammonia, which is mainly used to make fertiliser, is irritating and corrosive when inhaled.

EU ministers are due to meet in Brussels today to finalise a new European defence strategy. Officials say it will reflect the "new realities" brought about by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Belgian capital is also hosting Nato and EU summits later this week -- where

the focus will be on maintaining a unified response to Russian aggression. President Biden will attend both in person before travelling to Poland for talks on Friday.

The stock exchange in Moscow is partially reopening for the first time in three weeks. Trading of bonds and shares on Russia's financial markets has been suspended since the day after the war began. The market is reopening only for loan bonds issued by the Russian government.

Intnl sanctions are being felt in the wider economy. Some supermarkets are rationing sales of basic goods such as salt and cooking oil. Russian state media continues to maintain that what the Kremlin insists on calling its "special military operation" in Ukraine is going well.