Russian state media claim Moscow announces temporary ceasefire to let civilians leave two Ukraine cities

A view shows a residential building, which locals said was damaged by recent shelling, in Mariupol, Ukraine February 26, 2022.

Russia's state-controlled media claimed Saturday that the country's Defense Ministry has announced a temporary ceasefire to allow civilians to leave the cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha.

There will be a ceasefire at 10 a.m. Moscow time is 2 a.m. The time is 3:20.

It was not clear if Ukraine had agreed to a ceasefire or not.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that exit routes had been agreed upon, but there was no proof.

Some of the most intense fighting in Ukraine took place in Mariupol and Volnovakha.

Their location makes them strategic targets for the Moscow. If they fell to Russia, its troops could join forces with those in the peninsula. Mariupol is a port city on the Sea of Azov.

The residents of Mariupol were told by Moscow to leave the city, but they couldn't because of the shelling.

Individual accounts are difficult or impossible to verify because of the volatile situation on the ground.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated soon.