Russia announces opening of several humanitarian corridors in Ukraine: MoD spokesperson

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Published: 2022-03-07 12:10

Last Updated: 2024-03-29 13:07


Russia announces opening of several humanitarian corridors in Ukraine: MoD spokesperson
Russia announces opening of several humanitarian corridors in Ukraine: MoD spokesperson

Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov said in a televised briefing that Russia will open humanitarian corridors to allow the evacuation of civilians from several Ukrainian cities experiencing heavy fighting, including the capital Kyiv and the besieged port city of Mariupol, AFP reported.

"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 defense ministry said in a statement.


Also Read: New ceasefire announced in Mariupol to evacuate civilians


On Sunday, the municipality of the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, surrounded by Russian forces, announced that it will begin efforts to evacuate civilians, after previous efforts failed due to violations of the ceasefire.

"As of 12:00 (10:00 GMT), the evacuation of the civilians will begin," city officials said in a statement, explaining that a ceasefire had been agreed with the Russian-led forces surrounding the city.


Also Read: Russia declares ceasefire to evacuate civilians from Ukraine's Mariupol


Earlier Saturday, Russia announced a ceasefire to allow civilians to be evacuated from two cities in eastern Ukraine, one of which is the besieged strategic port of Mariupol, after consultations between Kyiv and Moscow.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said that “the Russian side declares a regime of silence and opens humanitarian corridors for the exit of civilians from Mariupol and Volnovakha," starting today, March 5, at 07:00 GMT. However, Ukraine said later on Saturday the evacuation of Mariupol residents was delayed due to Russia's violation of the ceasefire.


Also Read: Ukraine says Mariupol evacuation delayed due to Russian ceasefire violations


For his part, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Saturday that there is information that the Mariupol authorities are refusing to give residents the opportunity to pass through the humanitarian corridors, according to Russia Today (RT).

"The impression is that the Ukrainian regime is deliberately holding foreigners and civilians as hostages," Lavrov added.


Also Read: Mariupol authorities not letting residents pass through humanitarian corridors: Lavrov


He continued, "There is information that the Kherson authorities refused to accept humanitarian aid from Russia, and this is similar to the methods of the Kyiv regime."

Lavrov noted that the Russian army did everything in its power to ensure the functioning of the humanitarian corridors in Ukraine.

The minister noted that the Russian forces are ready to help evacuate foreign students from Kharkov, but the Ukrainian side prevented this.

He noted that since the beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine, Russia has shown its willingness to provide humanitarian corridors.