Ukraine says Russia violates ceasefire as Putin warns no-fly zone would be declaration of war

Ukraine said Russia violated a temporary ceasefire that was supposed to allow civilians to leave two frontline areas in the east just hours after the agreement was announced on March 5, 2022. Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister said Russian forces continued shelling in the town of Volnovakha, despite the agreement to halt hostilities mediated by the Red Cross. Russian forces continued to advance toward the Ukrainian capital Kyiv from the north and west, but the NATO military alliance has rejected Ukraine's request for a no fly zone over the country, saying it would escalate the situation into a much wider conflict. Russian president Vladimir Putin warned that such a no-fly zone would be akin to a declaration of war.
(Photo: EPA-EFE/STR)