KYIV: Russia has announced ceasefire in four Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Mariupol, Kharkiv and Sumy. The ceasefire will come into effect at Indian time 12:30pm. Russia’s new move aims at the safe evacuation of stranded people from war-hit zones.

Sumy is a city with a large number of stranded Malayalee students. The ceasefire comes in as a great relief to the Indian nationals in the area. The Russian troops have declared ceasefire on the request of French President Emmanuel Macron.

However, Russia had continued shelling in two cities despite agreeing for a ceasefire, on Saturday. Subsequently, attempts to evacuate people from the city of Mariupol had failed. The ceasefire was announced again following widespread criticism. Meantime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.