Russia declares ceasefire, opens humanitarian spaces in Ukraine  

Russia on Monday indicated the willingness to cease fire and allow humanitarian spaces for the evacuation of civilians from the Ukrainian cities under heavy fighting and bombardment.

The Russian defence ministry in a statement on Monday indicated: “Russian forces, for humanitarian purposes, are declaring a ‘regime of silence’ from 10.00 am on 7 March and the opening of humanitarian corridors.”

The Russian defence ministry identified evacuation routes from the capital Kyiv as well as Mariupol, Kharkiv and Sumy to be open during the temporary ceasefire.

Russia explained that the temporary ceasefire was evacuation was facilitated by French President Emmanuel Macron in a “personal request” to the Russia President Vladimir Putin.

Russia noted that it had notified the United Nations, the OSCE and other international organisations of the corridors, urging Ukraine to “strictly fulfill all the conditions” of the evacuations.

According to the Russian defence ministry, “We expect concrete actions from the official Kyiv authorities, as well as from the leadership of the above cities mentioned.”