Russia declares ceasefire in Kyiv, Mariupol, Kharkiv, Sumy from 12.30 pm onwards

Moscow, Mar 07: Russia has declared a ceasefire in the areas of Kyiv, Mariupol, Kharkov, and Sumy in Ukraine from 10 am Moscow time (12.30 pm IST) to allow for evacuations.

Earlier, Macron talked to both Russian President and Ukrainian presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy on phone. the French President had said, "We are striving to preserve the integrity of Ukraine's civilian nuclear plants, in addition to other priority demands we presented to Russia: a ceasefire and the protection of civilians."

The opening up of the corridors would enable residents of the cities of Kyiv, Mariupol, Kharkov, and Sumy to evacuate.

At least 700 Indian students are still stuck in Sumy, with Russia and Ukraine not being to provide for a safe passage for their evacuation. The situation in Sumy remains tense with local authorities saying that locals should brace for street fighting.

Putin launched his invasion with a string of false accusations against Kyiv, including that it is led by neo-Nazis intent on undermining Russia with the development of nuclear weapons.

Russian forces continued to pummel some Ukrainian cities with rockets even after the new announcement of corridors and fierce fighting continued in some areas, indicating there would be no wider cessation of hostilities.

Efforts to set up safe passages for civilians to leave besieged areas over the weekend fell apart. But the Russian

Defense Ministry announced a new push Monday, saying civilians would be allowed to leave the capital of Kyiv, the southern port city of Mariupol, and the cities of Kharkiv and Sumy. The two sides also planned to meet for talks again Monday, even though hopes were dim that they would yield any breakthroughs.

Well into the second week of war, Russia's plan to quickly overrun the country has been stymied by fierce resistance. Its troops have made significant advances in southern Ukraine and along the coast, but many of its efforts have become stalled, including an immense military convoy that has been almost motionless for days north of Kyiv.