Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a ceasefire in Ukraine for Easter.
The ceasefire will begin at Saturday 18:00 Moscow time and will remain in effect until Sunday at 00:00. During this period, Russia will suspend all military operations. Moscow has urged Kyiv to do the same.
At the same time he has warned Ukraine against any “vilolations” of the truce or “provocations”, saying that the Russian army will be ready to repulse any attack.
"From a humanitarian standpoint, the Russian side is announcing an Easter ceasefire from 18:00 until 00:00 (Moscow time) on Sunday," Putin stated during a televised meeting. "I order all hostilities to cease during this period."
Additionally, Russia claims to have regained more than 99% of the territory in the border region of Kursk, which was previously occupied by the Ukrainian army.
"The majority of the land in the region where the invasion took place has now been liberated, amounting to 1,260 square kilometres, or 99.5% of the region's territory," Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov said on television to Putin.
It is yet unclear if Ukraine has agreed to the plan. Immediately after the statement of the Russian President, an air raid alert was activated in the Kyiv region, alongside Eastern Donetsk region.
Right after the announcement Ukrainian President Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram Channel, “And regarding Putin’s next attempt to play with people’s lives – now an air alert is spreading across the territory of Ukraine…“Shaheeds”(Russian missile drones) in our sky are Putin’s true attitude to Easter and to people’s lives”.
The Russian announcement came as a surprise, as the country has previously refused the US proposed 30-day complete ceasefire. According to Ukraine, they have also violated “Energy ceasefire” over 30 times.
In a later statement President Zelenskyy said that despite of Russia "ignoring" previous ceasefire attempts, Ukraine will respect the truce if Russia does so as well. "Silence in response to silence, defensive strikes in response to attacks", president said. He has called Russia to extend the ceasefire if it truly takes hold. "That is what will reveal Russia’s true intentions — because 30 hours is enough to make headlines, but not for genuine confidence-building measures. Thirty days could give peace a chance."
Andriy Sybiha, Ukrainian minister of foreign affairs, has emphasised that Ukraine is still committed towards a long-lasting unconditional ceasefire and that US proposal is still on the table. He expressed skepticism towards Russian intentions on following the announced truce, saying, "We want to see Russian forces really stopping their advances on all directions... Only actions will show the truth, not words..."
Several Ukrainian officials, including frontline regional governors and President Zelenskyy, have accused Russia of continuing artillery strikes and ground assaults at least partially since the supposed start of the truce. Air raid alerts could be heard in Kyiv, despite Putin's announcement.
Frontline reports from the BBC suggest that the Ukrainian forces were given orders to follow the ceasefire, however there is still confusion as ceasefire caught many people off guard.
Previously, US President Donald Trump has warned that his country can suspend its peace brokering efforts if “for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult”. United Secretary Marko Rubio said that progress had to be made ‘within days’. Neither Donald Trump nor members of his team have made any immediate comments on the matter.
