Evacuations halted as Ukraine accuses Russia of continued shelling

A cease-fire was planned in the strategic port city of Mariupol and in Volnovakha Saturday morning to allow for humanitarian evacuations. But the life-saving effort stalled amid reports that Russian shelling continues. 

"The Russian side is not holding to the cease-fire and has continued firing on Mariupol itself and on its surrounding area," said Kyrylo Tymoshenko, the deputy head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's office. "Talks with the Russian Federation are ongoing regarding setting up a cease-fire and ensuring a safe humanitarian corridor."

Meanwhile, Russian media outlet RIA Novosti carried a claim from Russia's defense ministry that the firing came from inside both communities against Russian positions.