Russia claims it allows humanitarian corridor in Mariupol, Kyiv says no deal reached

The Russian Ministry of Defense says that they are ready today, at 14:00 Russian time, to cease fire in Mariupol and allow civilians to leave the territory of the Azovstal plant, the last stronghold in the Ukrainian city which has been besieged since February. 

However, Kyiv says that no such agreement has been reached with Moscow. 

“Ukraine has not reached an agreement with Russia on the creation of a humanitarian corridor for civilians to leave the besieged city of Mariupol,” said Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Irina Vereshshuk.

“It is important to understand that the humanitarian corridor is opened by agreement of both parties. The unilaterally declared corridor does not provide security and, therefore, is not a humanitarian corridor,” Vereshchuk added. 

The strategic city of Mariupol has been completely destroyed by Russian troops. 

However, Ukrainian troops, who are on the territory of the plant, still resist the occupiers. 

Kyiv had several times accused Moscow of bombing humanitarian corridors.