PRESS RELEASE : The Red Cross announced Russia’s approval of access for the humanitarian convoy to Mariupol, also corridors from Melitopol and Enerhodar were agreed – Iryna Vereshchuk

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 31 March 2022.

Ukraine has received a message from the International Committee of the Red Cross that the Russian Federation confirms its readiness to open access for the humanitarian convoy to Mariupol in transit through Berdyansk. In addition, two humanitarian corridors in the Zaporizhzhia region have been agreed – from Melitopol and Enerhodar. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk.

According to her, 45 buses were sent to Mariupol along the route. In particular, as of 9:00 am, 28 buses were to be allowed to pass through the Russian checkpoint in Vasylivka. In addition, 17 buses have already departed from Zaporizhzhia.

“We will do everything possible to ensure that buses arrive in Mariupol today and pick up people who have not yet been able to get out of the city,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Two humanitarian corridors in the Zaporizhzhia region have been agreed. In particular, for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of people from the city of Melitopol. It is also planned to organize a column of citizens on their own transport from the city of Enerhodar to Zaporizhzhia.

Iryna Vereshchuk added that people on their own transport will be able to join the humanitarian columns from Mariupol and Melitopol on the way to Zaporizhzhia.

“Our military has fully confirmed and guarantees a full ceasefire. So, at 9:00 we will start the evacuation,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.