Russia: We are ready to cooperate with the UN to help civilians in Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov assured that the Kremlin is ready to collaborate with the United Nations (UN) organization to provide aid to civilians in Ukraine.

According to his statements, Moscow wants to protect and help alleviate "the suffering" of the civilian population, so "We are ready to cooperate with our UN colleagues."

During a press conference where the Secretary General of the United Nations Organization, Antonio Guterres, was also present, Lavrov denied that Russia needs mediators between them and Ukraine to resume peace negotiations.

Ceasefire in Mariupol

As part of Guterres' visit to the Ukrainian city of Mariupol (one of the most attacked by Russian troops), Moscow promised to stop the fire and thus allow the evacuation of civilians.

According to the Kremlin, there is no limitation on the refugees in Azovstal leaving the place, "except for the decision of the Kiev authorities", which means a temporary ceasefire.

Along the same lines, Russia ruled out that there are civilians in the Azovstal catacombs, as assured by the Ukrainian government, which has said there are.

Both the Russian military and members of the militias of the Donetsk People's Republic pledged to withdraw to a reasonable distance and allow civilians to leave their shelters and choose where to go.

The statement in which Moscow commits to the ceasefire will be read every thirty minutes by loudspeakers, so that it can be heard by all and obeyed.