Earlier on the 19th, Russian President Putin announced an Easter ceasefire in the Ukraine war, lasting until midnight the following day. Ukrainian President Zelensky responded that Kiev will adhere to the Easter ceasefire agreement.
According to AFP, Zelensky posted on social media: “If Russia is now suddenly ready for a genuine, unconditional ceasefire, Ukraine will take corresponding action.”
He also proposed extending the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire beyond “Easter on April 20th.”
Meanwhile, Zelensky accused the Russian side of violating its own ceasefire commitment.
He emphasized: “Russian offensives are still ongoing in multiple frontline areas, and Russian artillery has not diminished.”
According to the governor of Ukraine's Kherson region, after Putin's ceasefire was declared to take effect at 6 PM, several Russian drone attacks occurred locally.
In the evening, Ukrainian air force issued air raid alerts over multiple regions in the east.
Zelensky pointed out: “This shows that Moscow's words are not to be trusted.”
“We are very aware of Moscow's manipulative means and are prepared for all eventualities. The Ukrainian defense forces will act rationally, and every Russian attack will be met with an appropriate response.”
On the 19th, Putin announced in a televised address: “From 6 PM today to midnight on Sunday, Russia declares an Easter ceasefire.”
Putin also required the Russian military to remain vigilant and be ready to repel any enemy violations of the ceasefire, provocations, and all offensive actions.