Russia declares partial ceasefire in two Ukrainian cities

Russia declared a partial ceasefire on Saturday to allow humanitarian corridors out of the Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha, Reuters reported, citing Russia's defence ministry.

"From 10:00am Moscow time (0700 GMT), the Russian side declares a ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow civilians to leave Mariupol and Volnovakha," Russian news agencies quoted the Russian defence ministry as saying.

More than 1.2 million people have fled Ukraine into neighbouring countries since Russia launched a military operation on February 24, according to United Nations figures released on Friday.