MOSCOW, March 3./TASS/. The Russian Armed Forces provided corridors for civilians at all sites of clashes in Ukraine, but nationalists don’t let the people exit, President Vladimir Putin told a meeting with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council.

"Let me repeat, hundreds of foreign nationals are trying to leave the zone of combat operation, but they are not allowed. They practically hold them hostage, playing for time. Or they offer to evacuate them through Lvov to Poland. That is, to drive through the entire war zone, putting them at risk," Putin said.

"Our servicemen provided corridors in all zones of clashes without exception, provided vehicles so that civilians, foreign citizens, have the chance to reach a safe place. I emphasize once again that the nationalists don’t let them do this," Putin stressed.

He also stressed that the nationalists now ask the foreign nationals to turn to their authorities who, in their turn, should appeal to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. "Practically, people are just thrown under fire," he summed up.