Russia has declared a humanitarian cease-fire in 4 Ukrainian towns on 9 March to allow the evacuation of the civilian population.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for an end to the war with Russia, and for negotiations. Zelensky stated further that Russia had bombed and blocked the humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians, adding that the first humanitarian corridor in Sumy which was opened was just 1% of what was needed.

Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska, and 68 refugees from Ukraine arrived in Bulgaria from Moldova on board the government airplane.  The people who want to remain in the country will be accommodated at Ministry of Defence facilities. Minister Genchovska stated that at the check points on the Romania-Moldova border there are officials from Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry who are meeting the refugees. We shall respond to all reports of evacuation requests, Minister Genchovska said.

Prime Minister Kiril Petkov met with Ukrainian refugees and answered their questions about state support to the people fleeing the war in Ukraine.