The Ukrainian port city of Mariupol is holding on by a thread, as Russia concentrates its attacks on the east of the country. Earlier this week, the mayor of Mariupol said its streets were carpeted with bodies. Now the world is watching to see if Russia will capture its first major city since the start of the war against Ukraine in February.

• Plus, Mexican truckers stage a border protest against Texas Gov. Abbott.
• And, Western states brace for a dangerous dry season.

Guests: Axios' Zach Basu, Astrid Galván and Andrew Freedman.

Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, and Lydia McMullen-Laird. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.

Go deeper:

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• Gov. Abbott doubles down on new inspection rule for truckers at Texas border
• California's driest start to the year sparks water, wildfire concerns