Russia declares a ceasefire in two war-hit Ukraine cities – including Mariupol – to open humanitarian corridors for civilians. Residents have been told to leave the cities, but there is no confirmation on how long the evacuation process will continue. “Today, from 10 am Moscow time, Russia declares a regime of silence,” news agency AFP quoted the defence ministry as saying.
1. The Kremlin has cut electricity, food, water, heating and transportation in Mariupol, local administration had said earlier on Saturday, with temperatures plummeting, adding that the city was “blockaded”. “For now, we are looking for solutions to humanitarian problems and all possible ways to get Mariupol out of the blockade,” mayor Vadim Boychenko was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.
2. Mariupol is the second port city being targeted by Moscow after fall of Kherson earlier this week. Russia aims to limit Ukraine’s access to sea with the latest moves that will also have an economic impact on the war-hit country.
3. In its latest updates, the UK Defence Ministry – that has been closely tracking the movement of Russia troops – has said that Moscow seems to be advancing towards the southern port city of Myokolaiv. “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,” it said, adding that the “artillery strikes over the past 24 hours has been lower than previous days”.
