Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the implementation of an “Easter truce” on the territory of Ukraine.
According to the statement, Russian forces are to cease all military operations from 6:00 PM Moscow time on April 19 until midnight on April 21.
Guided by humanitarian considerations, from 6:00 PM today until 12:00 AM from Sunday to Monday, the Russian side declares an Easter truce. I order all combat operations to be suspended during this period. We assume that the Ukrainian side will follow our example, Putin said.
Later, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that all commanders of Russian military groups had received the relevant instructions. The ministry also noted that adherence to the ceasefire would depend on reciprocal actions from Kyiv.
Despite Moscow’s statement, the Ukrainian side has not yet officially confirmed its participation in the truce. It also remains unclear whether the move was coordinated with Ukrainian authorities. Furthermore, Putin stated that Russian troops must be prepared “to repel possible violations and provocations from the enemy.”
