Kathmandu, March 6. Russia on Saturday had said that their forces stopped firing in two Ukrainian cities- Mariupol and Volnovakha to allow safe passage to civilians. But the ceasefire attempt has failed as Ukraine has said that firing continued in those areas.

While Ukraine accused Russia of not abiding by the agreement, Russia said that there are Ukrainian “nationalists” that are preventing civilians from leaving.

City officials said in a statement, “Due to the fact that the Russian side does not adhere to the ceasefire and has continued shelling both of Mariupol itself and its environs and for security reasons, the evacuation of the civilian population has been postponed”

The International Committee of the Red Cross also revealed in a statement that they are in contact in both the parties to bring out measures for safe evacuation of civilians.

Visa and Mastercard suspend operations in Russia

Visa and Mastercard have suspended their services in Russia on Saturday.

The decision comes after Ukrainian president Zelensky’s zoom call with US to to stop all commercial services, including Mastercard and Visa services.

Senator Lindsey Graham tweeted, “Anything that could hurt the Russian economy will help the Ukrainian people and may make this war more difficult for Putin.”

Mastercard said in a statement that they do not take this decision lightly and will resume when appropriate and permissible under law.

Al Kelly, chief executive of Visa said that they took this decision following the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier, PayPal has also discontinued their services in Russia.