Russia has declared a ceasefire to enable evacuations of civilians from the two besieged cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha.
The Russian defence ministry made the announcement through a statement and said that it was declaring a ceasefire to open humanitarian corridors for the exit of civilians.
The announcement came after the mayor of Mariupol said that the Russian forces had blocked the port city after days of attacks.
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Russian forces had cut electricity, water, food and transportation in Mariupol while laying siege.