The Russian military declared a ceasefire. The ceasefire was in the capital city of Kyiv in Ukraine and three other major cities. The Russian military will hold fire and open humanitarian corridors in several Ukrainian cities including the capital Kyiv at 10:00 Moscow time (0700 GMT) on Monday, Russia’s defense ministry said.
According to maps released by the RIA news agency, the Kyiv-Belarus corridor will lead to Belarus, while civilians from Kharkiv will only have access to the Russian corridor. Corridors will connect Mariupol and Sumy to other Ukrainian cities as well as Russia.
Those who want to leave Kyiv will also be able to be airlifted to Russia, the ministry said; adding that it would use drones to monitor the evacuation and “attempts by the Ukrainian side to deceive Russia and the whole civilized world is useless this time”. The news comes as Russia and Ukraine prepare to begin their third round of talks. Indian Prime Minister Modi is likely to speak to the leaders of both countries.
Over 1 million people have already fled from Ukraine
Over the previous two days, two planned evacuation operations from Mariupol and the adjoining city of Volnovakha have failed. Both sides are blaming each other for not stopping the shooting and shelling. However, over 1 million people have already fled from Ukraine to bordering nations. People are seeking help in countries like Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Moldova. Hundreds of people have died on both sides, and thousands have been displaced as a result of the crisis. The issue is now in its 12th day.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged his people to continue resisting; while also pleading with the West to tighten sanctions against Moscow. “The audacity of the aggressor is a clear signal to the West that the sanctions imposed on Russia are not sufficient,” said Zelenskyy in a televised address on Sunday.