New Delhi: After announcing temporary ceasefire for evacuation of civilians, Russia’s defence ministry resumed offensive actions in Ukraine and blamed it on Ukrainian nationalists. Earlier on Saturday, Russia had opened humanitarian corridors for the exit of civilians from the strategic port town of Mariupol and neighbouring Volnovakha. “Due to the unwillingness of the Ukrainian side to influence nationalists or extend the regime of silence, offensive actions have been resumed at 18:00 Moscow time (1500 GMT),” defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a video briefing.‘Population held by nationalist formations as a human shield’ Konashenkov also said that not a single civilian was able to exit via the humanitarian corridors and claimed that the population of these cities is held by nationalist formations as a human shield. Nationalist battalions used the ceasefire to regroup and reinforce their positions, he added. Interestingly, the United Kingdom also made a similar claim but against Russia saying that Moscow’s proposed ceasefire in Mariupol was probably an attempt to deflect international condemnation while giving itself a chance to reset its forces for a renewed offensive. “By accusing Ukraine of breaking the agreement, Russia is likely seeking to shift responsibility for current and future civilian casualties in the city,” the British defence ministry said in an intelligence update.‘400,000 residents of Mariupol held hostage by the Russians’ Officials in the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol had to delay the evacuation of the civilian population and accused Russia of breaking a ceasefire. Issuing statement city officials said that Russian side does not adhere to the ceasefire and has continued shelling of Mariupol due to which the evacuation of the civilian population has been postponed. Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko told The Kyiv Independent that Russia has blockaded the city once again and is denying humanitarian corridor. According to the Mayor, the city has been left without water and electricity, while 400,000 city residents are held hostage by the Russians.
from India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now https://ift.tt/5l3B67x Times Now Digital March 06, 2022 at 06:53AM
via KD News
