“Ukraine has committed to a full ceasefire. We urge Russia to do the same,” a Foreign Office spokesperson said, adding that a mere pause could enable negotiations for a “just and enduring peace.”
The statement emphasized that “now is the moment for Putin to show he is serious about peace by ending his horrible invasion.”
"Easter truce" declared by Putin
Earlier, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin ordered a halt to all hostilities from 6 p.m. on April 19 to 12 a.m. on April 21.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to Putin's announcement of an Easter truce, emphasizing that Russian attack drones have been flying over the territory of Ukraine since 5:15 p.m., and this reflects the Russian dictator's true attitude to Easter and people's lives. Zalenskyy called Putin's words "another attempt to play with people's lives" and assured that Ukrainian air defense and aviation had already begun working to defend against a Russian attack.
Later, Zelenskyy said he agreed to a ceasefire if "complete silence really prevails" and said that Ukraine would act in a mirror image. He also suggested extending the ceasefire after the Easter holiday.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha commented on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's statement about the so-called "Easter truce," emphasizing that Kyiv evaluates real actions, not words.
According to recent reports, Russia has reduced the number of attacks in some parts of the frontline. According to the BBC, the Ukrainian military was ordered to cease fire a few minutes after Putin's declared ceasefire.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that as of Easter Sunday morning, April 20, 59 Russian attacks and five assaults by Russian units had already taken place at the front.