Ukraine was trying to evacuate as many trapped civilians as possible on Thursday, warning of a new offensive by Russian forces pounding cities in the east and south of the country.
Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk announced agreement with Russia on opening 10 safe corridors, mostly in southern and eastern Ukraine, but said residents trying to leave the besieged city of Mariupol would have to use their own vehicles.
"Evacuate! The chances of saving yourself and your family from Russian death are dwindling every day," said Serhiy Gaidai, governor of the eastern region of Luhansk, adding that Russian troops had not made any significant breakthroughs. Ukrainian Presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovycvh said Russian air attacks were now focused mainly on areas of eastern Ukraine, but added: "The situation is under control."
Russia denies targeting civilians in a "special military operation" which it says is aimed at demilitarizing and "denazifying" Ukraine. The Kremlin's position is rejected by Ukraine and the West as a pretext for an unprovoked invasion.
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