Russia announce ‘ceasefire’ in Ukraine to allow civilians to escape bloodshed

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Russia have declared a ceasefire in Ukraine from 10am today Moscow time (7.00am GMT) to allow innocent civilians to escape the conflict from Mariupol and Volnovakha.

Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation have said: "Today, March 5, from 10 a.m. Moscow time, the Russian side declares a regime of silence and opens humanitarian corridors for the exit of civilians from Mariupol and Volnovakha."

Russian officials have also claimed that Ukraine's military has agreed to the ceasefire.

This follows news that more than one million Ukrainian's have fled their homes since Vladimir Putin's troops launched an invasion last week.

The European Union has estimated that some four million may try to leave the war-torn country, and has vowed to welcome them with "open arms".

The majority of refugees have crossed westward into neighbouring countries such as Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary.

There had been fears that violence against civilians was becoming more common as Putin grew frustrated with his army's lack of progress.

Thus far, the conflict hasn't been going exactly as he planned.

Only on Thursday morning did they capture their first major city, Kherson in the south near to Crimea.

Attacks on Ukraine's too largest cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv, have been repelled.

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