Russia announces temporary ceasefire in besieged cities 

Russia’s defence ministry Saturday announced a ceasefire to allow residents of two besieged cities— Mariupol and Volnovakha— to evacuate. 

The announcement comes after Mariupol's mayor Vadim Boychenko said that the city was under "blockade" by Russian forces after days of "ruthless" attacks. 

"For now, we are looking for solutions to humanitarian problems and all possible ways to get Mariupol out of the blockade," said Boychenko, calling for a ceasefire and a humanitarian corridor for food and medicine.

While laying siege to Mariupol for days, Russian forces have cut its electricity, food, water, heating and transportation in the depths of winter—prompting comparisons to the Nazi blockade of Leningrad in World War II. 

"Today, March 5, from 10 am Moscow time, the Russian side declares a regime of silence and opens humanitarian corridors for the exit of civilians from Mariupol and Volnovakha," the statement said.

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting Monday on the humanitarian crisis triggered in Ukraine by the Russian invasion and discuss a possible draft resolution. 

Moreover, Russia and Ukraine are set to hold a third round of talks over the weekend as an attack on a nuclear plant in Ukraine triggered widespread condemnations.