Kyiv: Evacuation of civilians from two Ukrainian cities had to be halted on Saturday following heavy shelling by Russian forces just hours after a temporary ceasefire was agreed upon.
The Russian defence ministry had agreed with Ukraine on evacuation routes for strategic port city Mariupol, located in the south-east, and eastern city of Volnovakha. However, there was no mention of how long the routes would remain open.
“The Russian side is not holding to the ceasefire and has continued firing on Mariupol itself and on its surrounding area. Talks with the Russian Federation are ongoing regarding setting up a ceasefire and ensuring a safe humanitarian corridor,” claimed Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office.
City officials shared in a statement on social media that because “Russian side does not adhere to the ceasefire and has continued shelling both Mariupol itself and its environs, and for security reasons, the evacuation of the civilian population has been postponed.”
Those who had gathered at specified locations were directed to return to their shelters.
There were reports of Russia not keeping its word in Volnovakha as well.
“We appeal to the Russian side to stop firing,” Ukraine’s Deputy PM Iryna Vereshchuk said.
