Russia announces ceasefire around Mariupol steel plant

[Sherman A1]

Russia's defence ministry has announced a ceasefire around the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, to allow a civilian evacuation from the industrial area that has been sheltering the remaining Ukrainian resistance in the port city.

Russian troops "from 14:00 Moscow time (12 noon Irish time) on 25 April 25, will unilaterally stop any hostilities, withdraw units to a safe distance and ensure the withdrawal of civilians," the defence ministry said in a statement.

It said the civilians will be taken "in any direction they have chosen" and added that the Ukrainian side should show "readiness" to start the humanitarian evacuations "by raising white flags" at Azovstal.

According to the ministry, this information will be communicated to those inside Azovstal "via radio channels" every 30 minutes.

https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2022/0425/1294100-russia-ukraine/

[Lovie777]

1. Nope . . ...

Russia speaks with fork tongue.

[Bettie]

2. They've played this game before

where they say "civilians can leave, we won't kill them", then they bomb them as they evacuate.

[Tomconroy]

3. It should be happening now if it happens.

[mainer]

4. Only if armed NATO troops are there to supervise the evacuation

Otherwise we know what will happen to the evacuees.

[C_U_L8R]

5. They are so desperate for any victory before their precious parade

Kim Jong Putin is such a fragile little despot

[samsingh]

6. russia's words mean nothing - actually safer to assume the opposite

i think saddam hussein was more trustworthy and he was a madman