MONITORING (SW) – Russian forces have declared a ceasefire to allow humanitarian corridors out of the Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha.
Multiple news outlets say they will pause their work inside Russia citing a new law that could mean jail for those found to be intentionally spreading “fake” news. The US envoy to UN condemns Russia’s seizured of the largest nuclear power station in Europe, calling attack “reckless” and “dangerous”.
As per the Al-Jazeera report, Ukrainian officials say attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant killed “several” people. Moscow denies attacking the site, blaming a fire that broke out there early on Friday on Ukrainian “saboteurs”. Russia says it is blocking Facebook and restricting access to Twitter, citing restrictions on Russian media. More than 1.2 million people have fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries, according to UN.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov has said that 66,224 Ukrainian men have returned from abroad to join the fight against Russia’s invasion. “That’s how many men returned from abroad at this moment to defend their country from the horde. These are 12 more combat and motivated brigades! Ukrainians, we are invincible,” Reznikov said in an online post.
Hundreds of people have marched in Tokyo protesting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The crowd shouted, “Stop war. Protect lives.” Some held signs that read: “We stand with Ukraine.” Others held images of Putin with the words: “Stop Putin.”
Russia’s defence ministry has announced a ceasefire to allow residents of two besieged cities, including the strategic port town of Mariupol, to evacuate. “Today, March 5, from 10am Moscow time, the Russian side declares a regime of silence and opens humanitarian corridors for the exit of civilians from Mariupol and Volnovakha,” the ministry said.
There is no immediate confirmation from Ukrainian forces, and it is not immediately clear how long the evacuation routes would remain open.
ENDS
