Ukraine invasion: Russia breaks ceasefire, evacuation delayed from Mariupol

‘The Russian side has continued shelling ...and for security reasons, the evacuation of the civilian population has been postponed,’ city officials said

Humanitarian corridors were supposed to be set up to allow civilians to leave Mariupol and Volnovakha after Russian forces agreed a ceasefire earlier on Saturday

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People walk with their belongings, but evacuations are delayed as Russia breaks ceasefire agreement. Photo: AP

Published: 3:52pm, 5 Mar 2022Updated: 12:45pm, 9 Mar 2022

Officials in the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, which is surrounded by Russian forces, said they were delaying an evacuation of the civilian population, accusing Moscow’s troops of breaking a ceasefire.

“Due to the fact that the Russian side does not adhere to the ceasefire and has continued shelling both of Mariupol itself and its environs and for security reasons, the evacuation of the civilian population has been postponed,” city officials said in a statement on social media.

Mariupol, a southern city of about 450,000 people on the Azov Sea, was scheduled to begin the evacuations at midday Moscow time (09.00 GMT), after Russian forces agreed a ceasefire to allow civilians to leave the fighting.

“We ask all Mariupol residents to disperse and head to places where they can shelter. More information about the evacuation will be posted soon,” municipal officials wrote.

“At the moment, negotiations are underway with Russia to establish a ceasefire and ensure a safe humanitarian corridor,” the statement added.

A Ukrainian child holds her toys as she stands with her family’s belongings awaiting evacuation. Photo: AFP

Earlier on Saturday, Russia’s defence ministry announced the ceasefire to allow residents of two Ukrainian cities that were surrounded by Moscow’s forces, including the strategic port city of Mariupol, to evacuate.