Ukrainian PM urges ICRC to help evacuate civilians more actively

KYIV. March 17 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Peter Maurer have discussed the arrangement of emergency humanitarian corridors for people.

"We expect the Committee of the Red Cross to quickly broaden its activities, particularly through the Rapid Deployment Mechanism in Ukraine," the Ukrainian government press service quoted Shmyhal as saying following the meeting.

Ukraine also expects active work with donors to collect funds for providing Ukraine with humanitarian aid, Shmyhal said. He pointed out that Ukraine permitted free passage of ICRC personnel and cargo as quickly as it could.

"We stand ready to continue providing the necessary assistance to the International Committee of the Red Cross's humanitarian activities in Ukraine," he said.