The Russian defense ministry says that a 48-hour temporary ceasefire has been introduced on Wednesday in Syria's Damascus suburb of Daraya.

It said the measure would allow civilians to be supplied with humanitarian aid. Daraya has been besieged by Syrian government forces since 2012. They have consistently blocked relief supplies including food reaching the area.

Some 8,000 civilians inside the town are currently suffering from severe food shortages and malnutrition.