"Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 18:00 Moscow time to 00:00 Moscow time, Russia declares an Easter truce. I order the cessation of all military actions for this period," the head of state said after a meeting with the Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov after the declaration of the ceasefire.
Putin stressed that Russian troops must be prepared for possible violations of the ceasefire by Kiev. They must be ready to repel any provocations of the enemy, any of his aggressive actions.
The reaction to the Easter truce will show how sincere Kiev's ability and desire to participate in peace negotiations are, Putin said.
The situation on the front is currently developing in a way favorable to Russia, Putin said.
“The Russian troops are confidently moving forward step by step. Russia has always been ready for negotiations and welcomes the desire of the United States, China and other countries for a fair settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, and we in every way welcome the desire of the American side, President Trump, our Chinese friends, the President of the People's Republic of China, the BRICS countries, all supporters of a fair, peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis“, the President said.