Russia has declared the opening of humanitarian passages at 9 a.m. Kyiv time on Saturday and a ceasefire that would enable civilians to leave Mariupol and Volnovakha.

"Starting at 10 a.m. Moscow time today, on March 5, the Russian side declares a ceasefire and opens humanitarian passages for civilians to leave Mariupol and Volnovakha," the Defense Ministry of Russia said.

"Humanitarian passages and exit routes have been coordinated with the Ukrainian side," the ministry said.

"Now the timing of the opening of the humanitarian green corridor and the beginning of the ceasefire for Mariupol is underway. This will allow to begin the restoration of the critical infrastructure of the city – electricity, water and mobile communications. There will also be the possibility of providing Mariupol with food and medicines of prime necessity. In the near future, the information will be updated," the mayor of the city Vadym Boichenko said on his Telegram channel.