Ukrainian military ordered to cease fire: Easter truce caused confusion
Ukrainian units received a ceasefire order immediately after Putin announced the Easter truce.
A senior officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that his unit, like other units on the front, was ordered to cease fire urgently on Russian positions within minutes of Putin announcing the start of the truce.
According to the military, they were also instructed to document any cases of enemy violation of silence, including photo and video recordings. In the event of a threat or shelling, they were ordered to open fire in response.
The officer noted that such a command came as a surprise to many. Although the military supports the idea of a temporary ceasefire, it is not yet clear what this truce will mean in practice.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed on his social networks that Russia remained unanswered for 39 days regarding the proposal for a complete and unconditional ceasefire for 30 days. The initiative was initiated by the United States, and Ukraine immediately supported it.
Zelensky stressed that if Russia is ready for silence, Ukrainian forces are prepared to respond similarly.
The President also stated that if both sides observe the ceasefire, Ukraine is ready to extend it after the Easter holidays on April 20, which could be an important step towards strengthening trust.
At the same time, according to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, despite the declared ceasefire, assaults by Russian forces continue on several sections of the front. And artillery shelling by Russia does not stop.
Putin announced an “Easter ceasefire,” which will last from 18:00 on April 19 to 00:00 on April 21.
