Russia resumes military operation after Mariupol ceasefire

MOSCOW, March 06 (YPA) – Russia’s defense ministry said it has resumed “offensive actions” in Ukraine after announcing a ceasefire earlier on Saturday to allow residents of two besieged cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha to evacuate.

“Due to the unwillingness of the Ukrainian side to influence nationalists or extend the ceasefire, offensive actions have been resumed at 18:00 Moscow time (1500 GMT),” defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a video briefing.

Ukraine earlier accused Russia of violating a limited ceasefire by shelling the besieged port city of Mariupol, as the war in the country entered the tenth day.

E.M