MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. Russia is ready to declare another ceasefire period on Wednesday, April 20, allowing nationalist groups blocked at Mariupol’s Azovstal plant to surrender, the chief of Russia’s national defense command center, Mikhail Mizintsev, said on Tuesday.
"The Kiev government made no attempts of any kind to rescue its servicemen," he said. "Being fully aware of the Kiev regime’s lack of responsibility for the imminent sad end of the last hotspot of resistance in Mariupol, and guided solely by humanitarian principles, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation reiterate their call to militants of nationalist battalions and foreign mercenaries to stop hostilities and lay down weapons starting from 14:00 Moscow time on April 20, 2022."
He said Russia guarantees life and medical assistance to all those who agree to lay down weapons.
The official went on to say that Russia has already proven its humane treatment of prisoners of war, including of surrendered Ukrainian marines.
"Just like before, the Russian side guarantees its compliance with the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War," Mizintsev added.
Establishing communication
In order to carry out the operation, Russia suggested establishing contact between the sides starting from 13:00 Moscow time on Wednesday, and declaring ceasefire about 30 minutes later.
"The de-facto start of the ceasefire will be marked by flags: red flags, hoisted by Russia, and while flags, hoisted by the Ukrainian side along the entire perimeter of Azovstal," the Russian military official said.
Ukrainian armed groups and mercenaries can exit the area starting from 14:00. They are not allowed to carry any weapons or ammunition with them.
Mizintsev called upon the Kiev government to exercise prudence and order the forces under its command to end their meaningless resistance.