WATCH – Russia launches major assault

Ukrainian officials say Russia has launched a major assault on the besieged Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol

Moscow says it will open humanitarian corridors for three days from Thursday, paving the way for dozens of Ukrainian civilians to potentially flee.

Moscow says it will cease all military activity during this time… and withdraw units to a safe distance.

Ukraine’s military is yet to comment on the announcement, but this humanitarian pledge follows a large group of civilians being evacuated from the plant last week under a similar agreement.

Ukraine previously alerted the world Russia had launched a major assault on the steelworks in Mariupol, where at least 200 civilians remain sheltering from attacks.

The country’s ruling parliamentary faction head told the BBC “attempts to storm the plant continue for the second day, and Russian troops are already on the territory of Azovstal.”

It’s the last part of the key port city to be held by Ukrainian forces, with Mariupol largely destroyed by relentless Russian arsenal.

Back in March, 600 people were killed when Russia bombed a theatre in the city.