MFA Ukraine condemns Russia's obstruction of humanitarian corridors in warzones

05.03.2022 15:45

Ukrinform

Violating the agreements reached, the armed forces of the Russian Federation continue to launch missile and bomb strikes on Mariupol, Volnovakha, and other Ukrainian cities, which makes it impossible to open humanitarian corridors for the safe evacuation of civilians and delivery of medicines and food.

That’s according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

The allegations voiced by the Russian Ministry of Defense claiming that the Ukrainian authorities hinder the evacuation of civilians from besieged cities are false, constituting misinformation aimed to justify the Russian army’s criminal actions.

The Russian side ignores the appeals of international humanitarian organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, to cease fire in order to create safe conditions for the evacuation of civilians and wounded.

Russia's actions constitute a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions, being classified as war crimes under the Rome Statute.

We call on the international community – states and international organizations – to immediately condemn Russia's gross violation of the agreements on the opening of humanitarian corridors, and call on Moscow to order Russian troops to cease fire.

Ukraine, together with the humanitarian organizations involved, is ready to evacuate the civilian population as soon as safe conditions are in place.