Ukraine says Chernihiv, Mariupol defenses underway
Ukraine’s military on Sunday said it was "fighting fierce battles to maintain certain borders," including defending Chernihiv and Mariupol, cities targeted by Russian shelling.
"The enemy, suffering losses, makes constant attempts to avoid direct fire contact with our troops," military officials said, according to an official translation posted on Facebook.
![](https://s.abcnews.com/images/International/chernihiv-destruction-ukraine-gty_hpEmbed_20220306-025248_3x2_992.jpg)
An operation is underway to defend Chernihiv, a city about 100 miles north of Kyiv, the capital, the update said. In the east, the Ukrainian military’s "main efforts are focused on defending the city of Mariupol and inflicting fire damage on the overwhelming forces of the enemy."
![](https://s.abcnews.com/images/International/mariupol-shelling-hospital-ap_hpEmbed_20220306-030033_3x2_992.jpg)
Ukraine’s military claimed on Sunday to have destroyed 88 Russian aircraft and helicopters.
"Some enemy pilots who catapulted and survived were found by Ukrainian soldiers," the update said. "They have received medical treatment and are already testifying about the Putin regime's crimes against humanity."