Russia declares readiness to cease fire in Mariupol if Ukrainian soldiers raise white flags

Pro-Russian forces in Mariupol, Ukraine on April 21 reuters

AFP reported Ministry of Defense of Russia April 22 announced they are ready to cease fire for humanitarian purposes at the steel plant Azovstal in the city Mariupol in the Donetsk region – the last stronghold of Ukrainian forces in the city – if Ukrainian troops surrender.

“We once again declare that Russia is ready to cease fire at any time and suspend fighting for humanitarian reasons in order to evacuate civilians,” the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The agency added that the ceasefire would begin with Ukrainian forces “raising a white flag around or in certain areas of Azovstal”.

“If a white flag is detected in any area of ​​the Azovstal metallurgical plant, the Russian armed forces will immediately stop all hostile acts and provide a safe exit,” the Russian Defense Ministry noted. idea.

The agency also said civilians would be escorted to territories controlled by Ukraine or to Russia, depending on their choice. The surrender of Ukrainian soldiers will be “guaranteed” their lives.

Previously, Russia on April 21 announced that it had taken full control of Mariupol, a strategic city in the southeast Ukraine, except for the Azovstal factory. President Vladimir Putin ordered a blockade of steel factories, where hundreds of civilians along with Ukrainian forces were sheltering.

Meanwhile, AFP on April 22 quoted Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko of Donetsk as saying the success of the operation military of Russia in Ukraine depends on whether Russia can control Mariupol.

“The Russian campaign in the south is focused on Mariupol and Moscow is trying to put all its efforts in this place,” Kyrylenko said.

The official also said that “Azovstal is resisting” and that Ukrainian forces in the city “still have some ammunition” but they are “exhausted after two months of fighting”.

Earlier, Ukraine said hundreds of soldiers and civilians were still entrenched inside the Azovstal steel plant. Kyiv has repeatedly called for a ceasefire so that women, children and the elderly can get out of the city safely.

Ukrainian officials have also called for an emergency humanitarian corridor in recent days, accusing Russia of continuing attacks that have made evacuations impossible.

“Russia has never complied with the agreement on the operation of humanitarian corridors,” Kyrylenko said.

On the same day, April 22, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv of not allowing Ukrainian troops in the city of Mariupol to surrender. This statement was made by Putin during a phone call with European Council President Charles Michel, according to a Kremlin statement.

All servicemen of the armed forces of Ukraine, militiamen of nationalist battalions and foreign mercenaries who lay down their arms will be guaranteed their lives and receive proper treatment in accordance with international law. and get quality medical care. However, Kyiv does not allow them to take this opportunity,” Putin said.

During the phone call, Michel also urged Putin to meet his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. However, the Kremlin stressed that the meeting depends on the outcome of ongoing negotiations, accusing Kyiv of being inconsistent and “unwilling to seek solutions acceptable to both sides”. .