Russia suddenly announced a ceasefire around the steel plant in Mariupol

The Russian Defense Ministry on April 25 announced a ceasefire around the Azovstal steel plant in the city of Mariupol to allow civilians to evacuate the industrial area that was sheltering the remaining fighters of the Russian Federation. Ukraine in the port city.

The Russian army will unilaterally stop all hostile actions from 14:00 Moscow time (18:00 Hanoi time) on April 25, 2022, withdraw units to a safe distance, and ensure the evacuation of civilians. , the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The 11 square kilometer steel mill, with a vast underground labyrinth, is considered the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance in the strategic port city on the shores of the Sea of ​​Azov.

Ukrainian officials say up to 1,000 civilians have taken shelter here. They have repeatedly urged Russia to provide them with a safe way out.

According to a statement by the Russian Defense Ministry, ordinary people can leave the area “in any direction they want”.

The Russian Defense Ministry also noted that the Ukrainian side should show “readiness” to start humanitarian evacuations “by raising a white flag” in Azovstal.

According to the ministry, the information will be communicated to people inside the Azovstal plant “via radio channels” every 30 minutes.

Locals receive Easter cakes and apples from pro-Russian servicemen during Easter celebrations at the Svyato-Troitsky church, in the port city of Mariupol, Ukraine, April 24, 2022. Photo: The Sun Daily

But Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Kiev does not agree with the “humanitarian corridor” proposed by Russia – and for that reason does not consider it safe for civilians.

Vereshchuk accused Russia of violating agreements on similar evacuation routes.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine called on United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is scheduled to visit Russia and Ukraine this week, to act as the initiator and guarantee a humanitarian route out of Azovstal, and to send staff of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to assist in the evacuation of civilians.

Last week, Russia announced it had gained full control of the strategic port city in southeastern Ukraine, with the exception of the huge Azovstal industrial park. President Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian Army to blockade the entire industrial zone.