Civilians seeking to escape the fighting in Ukraine will have a temporary respite.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced it would stop its bombardment of parts of Ukraine on Saturday, to allow for civilians to safely flee.

“Today, March 5, from 10 a.m. Moscow time, the Russian side declares a ceasefire regime and opens humanitarian corridors for the exit of civilians from Mariupol and Volnovakha,” said the ministry in a statement.

“Humanitarian corridors and exit routes have been agreed with the Ukrainian side,” the statement said.