Poroshenko calls for exit corridor in eastern Ukraine

KIEV , Ukraine, June 10 (UPI) -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko ordered the opening of a humanitarian corridor Tuesday for civilians escaping the political violence in eastern Ukraine.

A statement from the presidential press service said Poroshenko ordered the government to arrange transportation of civilians to other parts of the country and provide them with necessary food, water and medication. Local authorities will arrange shelter for the arriving civilians.

"Seeking to prevent new casualties in the antiterrorism operation zone, the Ukrainian president has ordered chiefs of law enforcement authorities to create due conditions for civilians wishing to leave [the area]," the statement said in part.

The president's office, the Ukrainian Security Service, the Interior ministry, the Defense Ministry and the State Emergency Service were each involved in the decision to open relief corridors, the Ukrainian news agency Interfax reported.