Ukraine, Russia agree on “humanitarian corridors” for evacuation of civilians
Ukraine and Russia agreed on Thursday, at the end of the second session of the talks, to organize “humanitarian corridors” for the evacuation of civilians from combat zones, an adviser to the Ukrainian presidency said.
“The second round of talks is over. Unfortunately, the expected results for Ukraine are not yet available. There is only one solution for organizing humanitarian corridors, “wrote Mykhailo Podoliak, a member of the Ukrainian delegation, on Twitter.
“The only thing I can say is that we discussed the humanitarian aspects in detail, because many cities are currently surrounded,” he added. He is worried about a “dramatic situation with food, medicine, evacuation opportunities”.
According to a statement read later by Mr Podoliak, Moscow and Kyiv will set up “humanitarian corridors to evacuate civilians and deliver medicine and food to areas where fighting is fiercest”. This includes “the possibility of a temporary ceasefire during the evacuation period, in the sectors where it is carried out”.
Meanwhile, the head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, said the talks focused on humanitarian, military and “future political settlement of the conflict” issues. According to him, there is “mutual understanding” on “certain points”.
“The main problem that was solved today is the rescue of civilians in the conflict zone,” he added, reaffirming the Humanitarian Corridors project.