Russia declared a partial ceasefire on Saturday to allow humanitarian corridors out of Ukrainian cities that have suffered heavy casualties during the deadly invasion that has now entered its 10th day.
Russian state media announced the defence ministry approved the ceasefire to allow civilians to leave Mariupol and Volnovakha.
The ceasefire take effect at 9 a.m. Kyiv time, the ministry was quoted as saying. Mykhailo Podoliak, an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, confirmed the two cities were preparing for evacuations shortly after the ministry’s announcement.
In Mariupol and Volnovakha, humanitarian evacuation corridors are being prepared for opening, columns are being formed from those who are subject to evacuation.