Russia Defence Ministry declares end of cease-fires

A humanitarian ceasefire in Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha has ended before any civilians were able to be evacuated, the Russian defence ministry said Saturday.  The ministry's chief spokesperson said not a single civilian was able to escape Mariupol and Volnovakha through the predetermined safety corridors.

He blamed what he described as Ukrainian "nationalists" for the collapse of the ceasefire. He added the offensive in the area was resumed at 6pm Moscow time "due to the Ukrainian side's unwillingness to pressure the nationalists or extend the ceasefire".