Residents of the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol have been seeking a way out for more than a month. They have heard Russian leaders agree to open a so-called humanitarian corridor. However, the effort to evacuate remains "extremely complex."

Tens of thousands of people want to evacuate as attacks on the city continue. Officials at the International Committee of the Red Cross are trying to help. They are hoping to lead a convoy of buses and private vehicles out of the city. However, they were forced to turn back before even reaching those in need.

Red Cross spokesperson Ewan Watson said time is running out for the people of Mariupol. He said they are in desperate need of assistance, and they desperately need to leave the city if they wish to do so.

He added that the convoy's destination is yet to be determined, but it will be within Ukraine's borders.

Russian officials say Ukrainian helicopters attacked one of their fuel depots. They say the strike happened on Russian soil, and that it might have a negative impact on peace talks. Ukrainian officials have denied responsibility.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is trying to bring the two sides together. He spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and emphasized the importance of acting with "common sense" and maintaining dialog.
Erdogan had previously talked with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy said they had a serious conversation. He said they talked about creating a functioning security system for Ukraine and that they have now approached its real provision.

Negotiators from the two sides have resumed their online talks. Envoys from Ukraine have proposed a framework that would ensure the country's security without becoming a NATO member. However, the negotiators remain far apart on an agreement.