Putin Declares Easter Ceasefire, Orders Troops to Halt Attacks

Moscow (The Uttam Hindu): Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a unilateral ceasefire for one day in Ukraine on the occasion of Easter festival of the Orthodox Christian community. The Russian President has strictly ordered his soldiers not to launch any kind of attack in Ukraine from 6 pm local time on Saturday to late Sunday night.

In a statement issued by Kremlin media, President Putin said, "Russia, motivated by humanitarian considerations, declares an Easter ceasefire from Sunday to Monday." He gave orders to Russian military chief General Valery Gerasimov in this regard, saying, "I order that all military actions in Ukraine be stopped for this period."

However, Putin has also put a condition with this ceasefire. He said that he hopes that the Ukrainian side will also respect Russia's decision and cooperate in the ceasefire. Along with this, Putin has instructed the Russian army to be fully alert and prepared. He said, "Our soldiers should be ready to prevent any possible violation of the ceasefire and any kind of provocation or aggression from the enemy."

This ceasefire declared by Russia is unilateral, which means that it has been declared by Russia and Ukraine has no obligation to follow it, although Putin has appealed to Ukraine to respect it. This declaration is being seen as a step to provide people an opportunity to engage in religious activities during the Easter festival.