Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Saturday (19) a temporary ceasefire during the Easter holiday in Ukraine.
According to the Russian government, the truce should start from 18h (local time) this Saturday until 00h on Monday (21).
Ukraine has not yet spoken out about Russia’s announcement.
“Based on humanitarian considerations … The Russian side announces a truce of Easter. I order the suspension of all military activities during this period,” Putin told his military chief Valery Gerasimov at a Kremlin meeting.
The Russian government has stated to expect Ukraine to do the same and Kiev’s actions during this period will show the country’s willingness to “a peaceful solution for war.”
“We assume that Ukraine will follow our example. At the same time, our troops must be prepared to repel possible violations of the enemy’s truce and provocations, as well as any aggressive actions,” Putin added.
The Kremlin leader continued to say that Moscow “has always been ready for negotiations” and thanked countries seeking the same, quoting US and China.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said it had given instructions on the ceasefire to all group commanders in the area of “Special Military Operation”, the term used for war.
Understand the conflict between Russia and Ukraine
The conflict in Ukraine, which began with the large -scale Russian invasion in February 2022, continues to be marked by violence and civilian deaths.
Recently, two Russian ballistic missiles hit Sumy in northern Ukraine, killing 34 people and hurting 117. This was the deadliest attack in Ukraine this year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vehemently condemned the offensive and made a new appeal for more actions against Moscow. He also asked US President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine. Zelensky expressed doubts about the US continuous support in the long run, although the US is a strategic partner.
The two leaders had a tense meeting at the Oval Hall this year, marked by a barbst exchange against the press.
The Ukrainian President asked the US to participate in an international peace effort, helping to protect Ukrainian airspace.
Russia denies target civilians, but thousands have been killed and injured since the beginning of the invasion.
Russians currently control about 20% of the Ukrainian territory in the east and south.
Ukraine is sharing information on alleged war crimes with international partners, and the International Criminal Court investigates the cases.
Under the Trump administration, the US surveyed conversations with Russian and Ukrainian representatives in an attempt to end the offensive.
Although ceasefire agreements have been announced, both parties continue to exchange attacks.
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin to discuss a peace agreement, but recent attacks have been showing a weakness of peace efforts and the continuity of conflict.
This content was originally published in Putin announces temporary ceasefire in Ukraine during Easter on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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