Russia announce ceasefire to allow civilians evacuate besieged Mariupol  steel plant

The Azovstal steel plant has remained the last bulwark of Ukrainian resistance in the strategic Sea of Azov port city

This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows damage at the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol, Ukraine, Sunday, April 24, 2022. Picture: Planet Labs PBC via AP

The Russian military says it will open a humanitarian corridor for civilians to evacuate from the besieged steel plant in Mariupol.

The Russian Defense Ministry said a humanitarian corridor will open at 2pm (11am Irish time) Monday for all civilians to leave the Azovstal plant in Mariupol. It said Russian troops will cease-fire to allow civilians to safely exit the plant.