Russia has announced that it is opening a humanitarian corridor for civilians to leave the Azovstal metallurgical plant in Mariupol.
The plant is considered the last bastion of resistance in the city, led by the Ukrainian military, who remained in the complex.
A statement from Russia’s Defense Ministry said there were no obstacles to the evacuation of civilians unless “Kyiv uses them as human shields.”
Ukraine accuses Russia of failing to provide safe corridors through which even civilians who remain in Mariupol itself can be deported to Kyiv-controlled territories.
Kyiv also called for direct talks with Russia on a ceasefire in Mariupol.
Russia will discuss issues related to Mariupol and Azovstal with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during his visit to Moscow this week, Novosti reported, citing the Foreign Ministry.
Guterres will first hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and then visit Ukraine for talks with Vladimir Zelensky.