As the war between both countries bites harder, Russia has declared a ceasefire in two areas of Ukraine to allow civilians to escape the crisis as people fleeing by car were urged to take as many people as possible.
The Russian defence ministry said in a statement carried by the RIA Novosti and Tass agencies it had agreed to create humanitarian corridors with Ukrainian forces to allow people to leave the strategic port of Mariupol in the southeast of the country and the eastern town of Volnovakha.
The evacuation route from Mariupol was due to open on Saturday for five hours, according to RIA, while no details were available about Volnovakha.
In Mariupol, buses will be used to transport civilians, while those travelling by car have been urged to take as many people as they can, amid strict warnings not to deviate from the “green” corridor.
The opening of humanitarian corridors comes as Mariupol’s mayor said there was no water, heat or electricity and food was running out.
In an online message to residents, Vadim Boychenko wrote: “Dear, dear residents of Mariupol, from today the evacuation of the civilian population begins in the city.
“This is not an easy decision, but, as I have always said, Mariupol is not streets and houses. Mariupol is its inhabitants, it is you and me.
“And our main task has always been and remains to protect people.
“In conditions when our hometown is constantly under ruthless fire from the occupiers, there is no other solution than to enable residents, that is, you and me, to leave Mariupol safely.”
The move comes after the head of Ukraine’s security council, Oleksiy Danilov, had called on Moscow to create humanitarian corridors to allow children, women and the elderly to escape the fighting, calling such routes “question No 1”.
As the offensive by the Kremlin continues aid agencies have warned of an unfolding humanitarian disaster as food, water and medical supplies run short and refugees pour into western Ukraine and neighbouring European countries.
Meanwhile, the Ukraine defence minister has said more than 66,000 Ukrainian men have returned from abroad to fight.
