The UN has praised the announcement that Russian and Syrian air forces have stopped bombing operations in Aleppo. But the organisation is still waiting for safety assurances from all sides before going into the city to deliver aid.

The UN's comments came after Russia announced the Russian and Syrian air forces had stopped air strikes in Aleppo, in a move intended to pave the way for an eight-hour truce set to begin on Thursday.

The "humanitarian pause" on Thursday will allow civilians to exit the city through six corridors and make it possible to evacuate the sick and wounded from eastern areas. The UN has called for a 48-hour ceasefire.