Ukraine’s foreign minister has revealed that he has adopted a stray puppy from war-torn Mariupol.

Dmytro Kuleba shared images of his rescued puppy Marik on Instagram for his 108,000 followers.

He said the animal was rescued from war-ravaged Mariupol and will now live with his two other dogs at home.

The Ukrainian minister said that war affects animals as well as people and it is our responsibility to help those left alone during the invasion.

The 40-year-old Minister of Foreign Affairs said: “Meet Marik. He and other dogs were taken from Mariupol where their owners were missing, and one dog gave birth to puppies.

“I couldn’t help but give him a chance at a happy dog life. So now my other two dogs, Gustav and Benji, have a new friend.

“War not only causes people to suffer but also animals. And humanity should take care of both the first and second.”

He then urged: “Adopt animals that are left alone.”

Russia invaded their neighbours Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin called a “special military operation” in the sovereign European country.

Today marks the 54th day of the invasion. From 24th February to 17th April, the total combat losses of Russian troops stand at 20,300 personnel, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military also claims that Russia has lost 773 battle tanks, 2,002 combat armoured vehicles, 376 artillery systems, 127 MLR systems, 66 anti-aircraft systems, 165 warplanes, 146 helicopters, 1,471 vehicles, 8 vessels, 76 fuel tank trucks, 148 operational-tactical level UAVs, 27 units of special equipment, and four mobile SRBM systems.