Russia, Ukraine agree to create humanitarian corridors

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia and Ukraine agreed to create humanitarian corridors for evacuation of civilians and for food and medicine deliveries, a member of Ukraine's negotiating team said Thursday.

"Unfortunately, to a huge regret, we did not achieve the results that we expected. The only thing I can say, we discussed thoroughly enough humanitarian aspects because many citizens are now encircled there. The situation is dramatic with food, medicines, possibility of evacuation," Mikhail Podolyak said at a news conference following a meeting in the Belarusian region of Brest.

He read what he called "an official communique the sides agreed upon," adding that talks will continue the work in the nearest terms.

"The sides have achieved an understanding about a joint provision of humanitarian corridors for evacuation of civilians as well as for delivery of medicines and food to the places of most cruel fighting with a possibility of a temporary cease-fire for a period of evacuation in sectors where it takes place," he said.

With this goal, communication channels will be established soon and logistic procedures will be designated, he said.

"Thank you. I think we'll continue discussing all aspects of achieving a cease-fire in the nearest future," he added.