Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday (April 19) announced a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine, as well as US President Donald Trump, Moscow released a sharp warning of growing tension in conflict.
Putin ordered his forces to stop hostility from 18:00 Moscow (1500 GMT) to Sunday.
The announcement came during the television address in which Putin spoke directly with the Chief of the General Staff of Russia, Valery Gerasimov, and outlined the conditions of pause.
“Easter ceasefire”
“Today, since 1800 (1,500 GMT) to midnight Sunday (2100 GMT Sunday), the Russian side announces an Easter ceasefire,” Putin said in television comments.
The purpose of this step is to honor the religious importance of the Orthodox holiday, traditionally observed with reflection and peace.
Hope for mutual peace
While the ceasefire is unilateral, Putin expressed hope that Ukraine was reflecting a gesture.
However, the Russian president also explained that his army must remain alert. He ordered Gerasimov to prepare for any potential violation.
Trump releases the ultimatum for fighting parties
The ceasefire statement came only a few hours after the US President issued a strict warning of Moscow and Kiev and stated that the United States would withdraw from mediation of peace interviews if there was no visible progress.
“Very soon,” Trump replied as he asked if the US would leave this process. “No particular number of days but fast. We want to do it.” He added that if Russia or Ukraine made a non -functional negotiation, the US would “pass through”.
“You’re foolish, you’re terrible people”
In the unusually sharp language of Trump criticized potential spoilers of peace process:
“Now, if for some reason for some of these two parties it makes it very difficult, we just say,” You’re fools. You’re fools. You are terrible people ” – and we just do.”
Asked if they believe that Putin will stop, Trump said, “I hope not … I will let you know soon.”
He also stressed: “No one plays me. I try to help … I know when people play us and I know when not.”
Trump had previously boasted that he could end the war within 24 hours if he was in charge, a claim that he later clarified as sarcastic. Despite this, the president repeated his obligation to find a diplomatic solution and expressed frustration from the outstretched conflict.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began Russian invasion in full scale in February 2022, has now entered its fourth year.
(Tagstotranslate) Russian President Vladimir Putin
