Ukraine: Evacuation from Ukraine's cities thrown into chaos

A planned evacuation from some of Ukraine's cities was thrown in chaos over the weekend, after Russia continued to attack despite saying they would stop for a short period of time.

Called a ceasefire, Russia said that the military would stop firing to allow humanitarian corridors so that people could leave one of the worst hit cities, Mariupol in the south of the country.

But while people were evacuating Russian forces did not stick to the ceasefire.

On Monday, Russia said it will hold a third ceasefire in several cities in Ukraine, including in the capital Kyiv, to allow people to leave, although this hasn't been confirmed by the Ukrainian government.

But the escape routes are into Russia and Belarus - a country that Russia is friendly with.

A spokesperson for the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has described the routes as "completely immoral" and says that Ukraine hasn't had any confirmation that the ceasefire will happen.

Meanwhile the President has also condemned attacks targeting civilians, saying they will "never be forgotten, and never be forgiven".

What is a humanitarian corridor?

Humanitarian corridors are spaces or routes created to allow civilians to safely leave conflict zones.

They work by both sides agreeing to a small period of time where there in no fighting in a particular area.

This means people who aren't in the armed services or police can escape from dangerous areas and aid can be brought in to help those who have to stay there.

Why are humanitarian corridors needed in Ukraine?

The United Nations have said there is a growing humanitarian crisis happening in Ukraine, following the invasion of Russia.

Lots of major cities in Ukraine are currently surrounded by - or under attack from - Russian troops.

This is significant because there have been reports of Russian troops cutting off power and water supplies for residents in these cities.

More than 1.5 million refugees have left their homes and fled the country.

The UN estimates that 12 million people in Ukraine will need relief and protection over the coming months.

Both sides agreed for the need for talks and sent negotiators for a second round of peace discussions in neighbouring country, Belarus.

While no agreement for the end of the war was agreed, there was an agreement on the need to create humanitarian corridors.