As of 10 March 2022, Russian forces have encircled and are shelling the cities of Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol and Sumy. Although representatives from Russia and Ukraine agreed on 9 March to the creation of temporary civilian evacuation corridors away from the cities of Enerhodar, Izyum, Kyiv, Mariupol, Sumy and Volnovakha, heavy artillery attacks prevented civilians from fleeing most cities, with the exception of Sumy. Individuals trapped in affected cities continue to experience food, water and power shortages. In Mariupol, Russian forces bombed a children’s and maternity hospital during the brokered 12-hour ceasefire, leaving at least 17 people injured. A Russian spokesperson claimed that the attack, which has been condemned by the U.N. and other international organizations, was justified due to the “equipped combat positions” within the hospital. Reports indicate that a nearby university, government buildings and residential communities also sustained heavy damage during Russian airstrikes. According to Mariupol city officials, approximately 1,300 civilians have been killed since the beginning of the Russian invasion and about 400,000 individuals remain in the city. Fighting continues in areas northwest of the capital Kyiv. However, Russian forces have yet to make significant advancements on the capital.

Also on 9 March, Ukrainian officials stated that electricity had been cut to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Authorities warned that while backup diesel generators will provide power to the plant for 48 hours, radioactive material could be released later due to power disruptions. Members of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that, while the Chernobyl nuclear plant had been disconnected from power, the situation has yet to have a critical impact on safety.