Russia’s defence ministry announced a ceasefire on Saturday to allow residents of two besieged cities – Mariupol and Volnovakha – to evacuate.
“Today, March 5, from 10 am Moscow time, the Russian side declares a regime of silence and opens humanitarian corridors for the exit of civilians from Mariupol and Volnovakha,” the ministry said.
Russian forces will stop firing at 1000 Moscow time to allow humanitarian corridors out.
This development comes after Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko called for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor for safe evacuation of civilians from Ukraine’s port city.
Mariupol, with a population of 450,000 people, is of great strategic importance to Russian forces.
As per the local media reports, the city has witnessed heavy shelling and has been cut off without water or electricity.
“For now, we are looking for solutions to humanitarian problems and all possible ways to get Mariupol out of the blockade,” CNN quoted Boychenko as saying.
Meanwhile, with Ukraine-Russia crisis entering day 10, Kyiv plans to hold the third round of talks with Moscow to try to end the fighting.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched military operations in Ukraine on February 24, three days after Moscow recognized Ukraine’s breakaway regions – Donetsk and Luhansk – as independent entities.
The President has also told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a telephone call that Russia was ready for dialogue over Ukraine if all its demands are met.
Putin confirmed that Russia is open to dialogue with the Ukrainian side, as well as with everyone who wants peace in Ukraine. But under the condition that all Russian demands are met,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
During the conversation that lasted for an hour, Scholz urged Putin to allow access for humanitarian aid in areas where fighting was taking place with both leaders agreeing to hold further talks soon.
