On Saturday, the Russian defence ministry announced a ceasefire to allow inhabitants of two besieged cities, Mariupol and Volnovakha, to flee.

“The Russian side declares a regime of silence and opens humanitarian corridors for the escape of people from Mariupol and Volnovakha beginning at 10 a.m. Moscow time today,” the ministry said.

At 1000 Moscow time, Russian soldiers will cease fire to allow humanitarian routes to exit.

The mayor of Mariupol had proposed for the creation of a humanitarian corridor.

This comes after Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko urged for the creation of a humanitarian corridor to allow inhabitants to safely evacuate the Ukrainian port city. Mariupol, with a population of 450,000 people, is vital to Russian national security.

According to local media reports, the city has been shelled heavily and is without water or electricity. “For the time being, we’re searching for humanitarian solutions as well as all potential options to get Mariupol out of the siege,” Boychenko told CNN.

Ukraine intends to have a third round of negotiations with Russia. Meanwhile, as the Ukraine-Russia conflict enters its tenth day, Kyiv intends to convene the third round of talks with Moscow in an attempt to cease the war.

Three days after Moscow recognised Ukraine’s breakaway regions – Donetsk and Luhansk – as autonomous entities, Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated military actions in Ukraine on February 24.

In a phone chat with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Putin also stated that Russia was willing to talk about Ukraine if all its demands are met.

“Putin stated that Russia is willing to engage in conversation with the Ukrainian side as well as everyone who wishes for peace in Ukraine.

However, assuming that all Russian requests are met, “In a statement, the Kremlin noted. Scholz pushed Putin to allow humanitarian aid access in areas where fighting was taking place during the hour-long chat, and the two leaders agreed to meet again shortly.