Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday declared an Easter truce from 6 pm Moscow time on Saturday until midnight on Sunday into Monday, Sputnik news agency reported.
"Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 6:00 pm to 00:00 from Sunday to Monday, the Russian side declares an Easter truce. I order that all military actions be stopped for this period," Putin said at a meeting with the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian armed forces, Valery Gerasimov.
Russian troops must be prepared to repel possible ceasefire violations and provocations from Ukraine, Putin said.
Russia assumes that the Ukrainian side will follow its example and stop hostilities for the duration of the Easter truce, the Russian president added.
Meanwhile, Anadolu Ajansi reported the United Nations (UN) takes note Saturday of the announcement by Russia of a temporary Easter truce in Ukraine.
"We have consistently called for a durable ceasefire in Ukraine, and reiterate our support for meaningful efforts towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace that fully upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, in line with the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions," Stephane Dujarric said in a statement in response to Putin’s announcement.
Responding to the announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv will act in a "mirror manner."