The government of Ukraine has rejected Moscow’s offer to set up humanitarian corridors from several bombarded cities after it emerged some routes would lead refugees into Russia or Belarus.
It is important to note that the Russian proposal of safe passage from Kharkiv, Kyiv, Mariupol and Sumy had come after terrified Ukrainian civilians came under fire in previous ceasefire attempts.
Multiple credible reports have it that Russia unleashed another night of relentless attacks from air, land and sea, compounding the humanitarian disaster that has forced more than 1.5 million people across Ukraine’s borders.
Though there have been several international sanctions intended to punish Moscow, it’s believed that so far, not so much has been done to slow the invasion, and Washington said it was now discussing a ban on Russian oil imports with Europe.
Amidst the crisis, oil prices soared to near a 14-year high, and gas prices rocketed on the developments while stock markets plunged as investors worried about the fallout on the global economy.
Recent horrifying scenes saw Ukrainian civilians being cut down as they tried to flee various cities, adding to the international outrage.
Russia’s defence ministry had earlier announced new plans for humanitarian corridors, with the defence ministry confirming a “regime of silence” had started at 0700 GMT.
But several routes led into Russia or its ally Belarus, raising questions over the safety of those who might use them.
Reacting to the offer, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said “This is not an acceptable option”.
He added that the civilians “aren’t going to go to Belarus and then take a plane to Russia”.
Delineating on the offer, Moscow had said the decision was taken after a “personal request” by French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. However, Macron’s office denied there had been such a request.
