First Thing: Ukraine rejects Russia’s demand to surrender Mariupol

Moscow offers safe passages to fighters who give in, as US says Joe Biden will visit Poland. Plus, Ketanji Brown Jackson hearings begin

Good morning.

Ukraine has defied an ultimatum by the Russian military for its forces to surrender the city of Mariupol, as shelling continued in Kyiv and the US president, Joe Biden, announced that he would visit Ukraine's western neighbour Poland this week.

What did Vereshchuk say? There can be no talk of any surrenders, laying down of arms. We have already informed the Russian side about this," she said.

Are diplomatic efforts continuing? Yes, Biden will host a call today with president Emmanuel Macron of France, chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, the Italian prime minister, Mario Draghi, and the British prime minister, Boris Johnson.

What else is happening? Here's everything we know on day 26 of the invasion.

What happens today? Today's hearing will be devoted to opening statements from Jackson and from the committee's 22 senators, who are evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans.

When will a decision be made? Two days of questioning of the candidate will follow today's hearing, with outside witnesses called on Thursday. A full vote of the Senate is expected to determine Jackson's fate before a recess on 8 April.