Ukraine’s leaders have rejected Russian demands that Ukraine surrenders Mariupol.
According to Russian media RIA Novosti, Russia’s defense ministry said that Ukraine must surrender the city by 5 a.m. on March 21.
Russia claims it will then open humanitarian corridors for civilians and disarmed soldiers.
Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk responded by stating that surrender is not an option. The letter from Russia’s Defense Ministry said it would only establish a humanitarian corridor if Mariupol surrenders.
Switzerland has said that it ready to hold talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Swiss President Ignazio Cassis said that he hopes the “guns would soon fall silent” and that Switzerland was prepared to mediate or host negotiations.
Cassis will visit the Polish-Ukrainian border today
