Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer discussed the organization of urgent humanitarian corridors for the population in the war zones.

"In a number of cities blocked by Russian troops, in particular, Mariupol, a critical situation has developed. The actions of the aggressor state are a crime of genocide against the Ukrainian people. We look forward to a rapid expansion of the activities of the Red Cross Committee, in particular, through the Rapid Deployment Mechanism in Ukraine," Shmyhal was cited by the government's press service following the meeting.

The Prime Minister said that millions of people urgently need food, medicine, water and other critically needed goods.

He also said Ukraine is counting on active work with donors to raise funds to provide humanitarian assistance to the country.

Shmyhal said the Ukrainian side allowed the free movement of personnel and goods of the Red Cross Committee as quickly as possible.

"We are ready to continue to provide the necessary assistance to the humanitarian activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Ukraine," the head of government said.

Shmyhal urged the ICRC to take more active and persistent steps to facilitate the evacuation of civilians from Ukrainian cities under siege and exposed to fire every day.