KYIV (Reuters – Nicole, 21, weeps as she recalls her mother who was left behind by her family and with whom they have lost all contact.

She and her sister Vira, along with Vira’s 4-year-old son, made an escape by foot from Zaporizhzia on April 1. They had left a note to their mother at the apartment table.

She spoke with them twice in April, but they have not been in touch since. They fear for her safety, as the port city of southeastern Russia has been under constant Russian bombardment.

Nicole said that she last saw her mother in “normal circumstances” and declined to reveal her family’s name. Reuters couldn’t independently confirm Nicole’s account. It was impossible to imagine that I’d be able not only to ask their questions but also call.

“… It’s difficult to look through my photos of me laughing and having fun. Before breaking down, she said that this was “practically suicide”.

Mariupol, after a prolonged siege, is now under Russian command. This includes its Azovstal steelworks, which are currently under Russian control. However, officials from the Ukrainian government believe about 200 civilians, along with fighters, remain in underground bunkers.

As part of the U.N. Red Cross joint operation, more than 300 people were evacuated from Mariupol as well as other parts in south Ukraine. The evacuations concluded Wednesday.

Since invading Ukraine in February 24, Russia denies targeting civilians in “special military operations.”

Russia has made Mariupol a key target of its efforts to isolate Ukraine from the Black Sea and to link Russian-controlled territories in eastern Ukraine to Crimea. Moscow seized Mariupol in 2014.

Nicole, Vira, and her son sat in a Kyiv Park. They had travelled from Zaporizhzia into relative safety in Ukraine’s capital. Nicole stated that they are constantly looking for news about Mariupol. “All day, everyday, we live from the news. We also live by information about what’s occurring.”

    The sisters joined a protest in Kyiv’s Independence Square holding posters recounting their ordeal, “66 days of waiting, Save Mariupol, Azovstal”.

Nicole is optimistic, despite the absence of any news. She stated that there was a possibility for evacuation and she hoped they would pick up emergency luggages and their bags and move on to meet her.