Russia has declared a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine so as to open humanitarian corridors for civilians having agreed on exit routes. This declaration comes after Vadim Boychenko, Mariupol’s mayor stated that the city was under “blockade” by Russian forces after days of “ruthless” attacks. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, "From 1000 am Moscow time (0700 GMT), the Russian side declares a ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow civilians to leave Mariupol and Volnovakha."
Mikhail Podolyak, Ukrainian presidential aide said that about 200,000 people are trying to evacuate from Mariupol, while “20,000 people also want to leave the city of Volnovakha in the Donetsk region”.
At present, Volnovakha and Mariupol, one of Ukraine’s largest ports, are being blockaded by forces from the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR).
However, according to Associated Press (AP), Ukraine is pausing civilian evacuations in Mariupol, with Ukrainian officials saying that Russia violated the cease-fire agreement it had announced for both Mariupol and Volnovakha.
