Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary suspension of military operations in Ukraine in connection with Easter. According to a statement from the Kremlin, all Russian military actions will cease from 18:00 local time on Saturday until midnight on Monday 21 April.
“Guided by humanitarian considerations, the Russian side declares an Easter truce. I order all military actions to stop during this period,” the statement reads. At the same time, it is emphasised that Russian forces must be prepared for any violation of the ceasefire or hostile actions by the Ukrainian side.
Ukraine has not yet given any official response to the initiative.
The threat comes at a time when the conflict continues at high intensity. Just one day before the ceasefire was announced, two people were killed and over 100 injured in Russian attacks on the cities of Kharkiv and Sumy in north-eastern Ukraine.
It is currently unclear whether the ceasefire will be honoured by both parties, or what practical impact it will have on the ground. Ceasefires in previous phases of the war have often been characterised by mutual accusations of violations and short-lived effects.