Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a two-day truce in the special military operations in Ukraine on Saturday, April 19th, in lieu of Easter on Sunday, April 20th, the Kremlin announced.
During a meeting at the Kremlin, Mr Putin, who’s also the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, heard a report by Chief of the General Staff of Russia’s Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov on the situation on the line of contact and declared the Russian side was ceasing all military action from April 19th, 6pm MSK, to April 21st, midnight MSK due to Easter.
A statement issued by the Kremlin quoted Mr Putin declaring the Easter Truce.
“Guided by humanitarian motives, the Russian side announces an Easter ceasefire from 06:00 pm today to 00:00 am Monday. I hereby order all military operations ceased for this period,” Mr Putin was quoted in the Easter Truce statement.
“We assume that the Ukrainian side will follow our example,” Mr Putin added, emphasising on a long-discussed Easter truce plan with Kiev. However, the Russian president has also warned his forces to stay vigil during the Easter truce period to thwart any possible violations by the Ukrainian side.
“At the same time, our troops should be prepared to repel possible ceasefire violations and provocations by the enemy, as well as any aggressive acts on their part,” Mr Putin added.
This Easter truce follows a peace roadmap that the US and Russia have agreed on.
Although Russia and the US have hold discussions on a ceasefire in Ukraine, no consensus has been reached with Kiev.
It’s to be seen whether the Easter truce can lead to long-term peace in the region.
