Russia announces temporary cease-fire to let civilians leave 2 Ukrainian cities
Russia announced Saturday a temporary cease-fire in two besieged cities of Ukraine to allow civilians to evacuate.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement carried by state news agencies that it has agreed with Ukrainian forces to open humanitarian corridors in the strategic port of Mariupol and the eastern town of Volnovakha beginning at 10 a.m. Moscow time.
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"Starting at 10 a.m. Moscow time today, on March 5, the Russian side declares a ceasefire and opens humanitarian passages for civilians to leave Mariupol and Volnovakha," the ministry said. "Humanitarian passages and exit routes have been coordinated with the Ukrainian side."
There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, and it was unclear how long the evacuation routes would remain open.
-ABC News' Anastasia Bagaeva