Russia’s defence ministry said it was ready to allow civilians to leave the Azovstal steelworks in the besieged city of Mariupol if Ukrainian forces surrender, AFP reports.
In a statement, the defence ministry said Russia is “ready at any moment” to announce a “humanitarian pause” for the evacuation of civilians.
The ceasefire would start with the “raising of white flags” by Ukraine’s forces “along the entire perimeter or in certain areas of Azovstal”, the ministry said.
If such signs are found in any part of the Azovstal metallurgical plant, Russia’s armed forces … will immediately stop any hostilities and provide a safe exit.
According to the ministry, civilians will be escorted to either territories controlled by Ukraine or to Russia “at the evacuees’ own discretion”.
It said Ukrainian soldiers who have surrendered will be “guaranteed” their life.