- Russian media outlets report that the Russian military has announced a cease-fire in Mariupol and Volnovakha.
- The Ukrainian military has not officially recognized the cease-fire.
- The Russian offensive will continue throughout the rest of Ukraine.
The Russian Defense Ministry has reported a cease-fire in two besieged Ukrainian cities to allow citizens to leave, according to Russian media.
"Today, on March 5, a cease-fire is announced from 10:00 am Moscow time (8 a.m. GMT, 3 a.m EST), and humanitarian corridors are opened for the exit of civilians from Mariupol and Volnovakha," the ministry said in a statement from Russian news agency Tass news.
AP reports that the Ukrainian military has not officially recognized the cease-fire.
The Mariupol City Council has released a statement on their official Telegram channel acknowledging the cease-fire and the humanitarian corridor that has been established.
The Mariupol Mayor, Vadim Boychemko, issued a statement to the people of Mariupol, saying: "Dear Mariupol residents, the evacuation of civilians in the city starts today. This is a difficult decision, but, as I have always said, Mariupol is not about streets and houses.
"Mariupol is its inhabitants. We are with you. And our main task has always been and remains to protect people. In conditions when our hometown is constantly under relentless fire from the occupiers, there is no other solution than to allow the residents, that is, you and me, to safely leave Mariupol."
In the statement, the city issued a "huge request" for drivers leaving the city to assist with the evacuation, which takes place until 16:00 Moscow time (2 p.m. GMT, 9 a.m EST).
The cease-fire or the legitimacy of the humanitarian corridor is not immediately verifiable, with the Mariupol City Council also adding in their Telegram channel that "fighting is taking place" in the Zaporozhye region, which forms part of the safe route.
The statement added that negotiations with the Russians to ensure a "regime of silence" along the entire humanitarian corridor are ongoing.
The Russian offensive will continue throughout the rest of Ukraine.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.