Ukrainian right-extremist Azov Battalion militants detonated an explosive device in the city of Mariupol on Saturday, leaving up to 200 people, including women and children, dead under the rubble in the basement, stated Denis Pushilin, the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic.

He stated that the Mariupol administration has recently announced a humanitarian corridor toward the city of Zaporizhzhia. Pushilin stressed that the area is unsafe as nationalist battalions located there are committing provocations.

"Just a few minutes ago, Azov militants activated the explosive devices laid earlier, leading to the collapse of the house at the address: Meotydy Boulevard, 15/20. At the moment, up to 200 people remain in the basement under the rubble, most of them women and children. Therefore, it is extremely problematic for us to bear responsibility for that corridor," Pushilin said.

"We are trying to use unmanned aerial vehicles to find out what is taking place there and in what condition, and, if possible, to provide assistance and support," he added.

It is worth noting that Russia's special operation in Ukraine was initiated last week in response to calls for help from the Donbass republics in countering the aggression of Ukrainian troops.