Ukraine under attack: Ceasefire around coastal city of Mariupol
A ceasefire is in effect until 3 p.m. around the southeastern Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha. Russian troops cease shelling the towns, while civilians are evacuated over the next few hours.
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The ceasefire went into effect on Saturday at 8 a.m. and is intended to give citizens the opportunity to safely leave the southern cities. This is done via a so-called humanitarian corridor.
What is a ‘humanitarian corridor’? (Ukraine under attack)
- A humanitarian corridor is a specific part of a war zone where military action is not allowed.
- Via this route civilians can leave the war zone and aid organizations can enter the area without being shot at, for example.
- The word corridor literally means hall or corridor. It can therefore be seen as a safe passage through which civilians can be evacuated from the war zone.
The ceasefire has been confirmed by both Russia and Ukraine. According to the city council of Mariupol, the evacuation of civilians will start at 10:00 a.m. (Dutch time). They are being led to Zaporizhzhia , according to the BBC .
Buses will run from several locations. People can also arrange their own transport, as long as they stick to the route of the humanitarian corridor.
The city council asks people to offer free spaces in their cars to fellow residents.
Delegations from Ukraine and Russia had agreed the deployment of humanitarian corridors during negotiations on Thursday.
In the rest of Ukraine, the Russian offensive continues, the Russian Defense Ministry told RIA news agency .
Cities have been heavily bombed for days
The coastal city of Mariupol and Volnovakha, 65 kilometers to the north, have been the target of heavy Russian bombardments for days. Mariupol is surrounded by Russian troops.
Mayor Vadym Boichenko previously asked for a way for citizens to leave the city as food ran out and residents already had no access to water and electricity.
Boichenko fears his city will be “completely destroyed” if no military aid arrives.
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