Ukraine War: Russia declares ceasefire in 4 cities to allow evacuations

Russia on Monday declared ceasefire in four Ukraine cities to allow evacuations.

The Russian defence ministry said that ceasefire has been declared in Capital Kyiv, and Mariupol, Kharkiv, and Sumy in Ukraine from 10 am Moscow time, which is 12.30 pm IST to allow for evacuations.

The Russian army has also announced opening of several humanitarian corridors in Ukraine.

The humanitarian corridors are being set up at the personal request of French President Emmanuel Macron, Russia's defence ministry said.

Efforts to evacuate civilians from the besieged city of Mariupol failed amid heavy Russian bombings. Residents in the city are without power and water.

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Ukraine and Russia are expected to hold the third round of negotiation talks, after little success in first two rounds.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he will achieve his goals in Ukraine "through negotiation or through war".

Russian army has ramped up its shelling of Ukrainian cities and Putin has asked the Ukraine army to surrender.