A temporary ceasefire has been declared to allow civilians to flee Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, as well as Kharkov, Mariupol, and Sumy, Russia announced earlier today. Civilians are awaiting evacuation at assembly points set up throughout the cities after the ceasefire went into effect at 10:00 a.m. local time.
In the heart of Kyiv, security has been beefed up in anticipation of a close-quarters combat. In the town square, barricades and sand trenches were erected. Ukrainian soldiers were stationed at strategic locations throughout the city.