Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said at a press conference that the temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine was violated, with Russian troops shelling Volnovakha with heavy weapons.
As such, the evacuation and humanitarian efforts for the civilians have since been halted.
Vereschchuk said in her press conference:
“At 11:45, the Russian Federation began shelling the city of Volnovakha with heavy weapons. As you know, from 09:00 on March 5, we had an agreement that we would create two humanitarian corridors – Volnovakha and Mariupol.
I note the fact that Russia has violated the agreements, even through the Red Cross, it has not complied with its commitments and is shelling the city of Volnovakha
We appeal to the Russian side to stop the shelling, return the ceasefire and give the opportunity to form columns, so that children, women and the elderly can leave the settlements.”
President Zelensky also added that they are doing everything they can to make the agreement work.
Images source: Iryna Vereshchuk Facebook and State Emergency Service of Ukraine Facebook