Since starting a full-scale invasion of Ukraine last week, Russia has declared a brief ceasefire in two war-hit cities of Ukraine.
Latest Russia Ukraine war update
On Saturday, Russia declared a brief ceasefire in two Ukrainian cities including Mariupol, a strategic port city for acting as humanitarian corridors. “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,” stated the Russian Defense minister. Residents are instructed to evacuate. “For now, we are looking for solutions to humanitarian problems and all possible ways to get Mariupol out of the blockade,” stated Mayor Vadim Boychenko.
The southern city is home to around 450,000 people. The evacuation will take place through private transport. There will be municipality buses at key points across the city for helping with the evacuation. “A huge request to all drivers leaving the city, to contribute as much as possible to the evacuation of the civilian population — take people with you, fill vehicles as much as possible,” informed the statement.
Ceasefire in the strategic port city of Mauripol
Earlier this week, in Russia’s invasion, Mauripol was the second city targeted by the Russian forces following the fall of Kherson. By taking control of the city, Russia was aiming to limit Ukraine’s access to the sea, hitting the nation further. “Ukraine continues to hold the key cities of Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Mariupol. There have been reports of street fighting in Sumy. It is highly likely that the four cities are encircled by Russian forces. The artillery strikes over the past 24 hours have been lower than previous days,” revealed the UK defense ministry.