In a dramatic and unexpected move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary suspension of military operations in Ukraine.
He declared a nationwide ceasefire beginning at 16:00 BST (18:00 local time) today, to last until 22:00 BST on April 20 (midnight Moscow time).
The announcement, confirmed in a translated statement from the Russian Ministry of Defence, states that the halt in hostilities is “guided by humanitarian considerations.”
Putin, in a video now circulating online, ordered all Russian military actions to stop for the duration of the truce and called on Ukraine to honour the same commitment.
However, he warned that Russian troops “must be ready to repel possible violations of the truce and provocations from the enemy.”
The Kremlin’s move follows increasing pressure from the United States to accelerate peace talks.
President Donald Trump recently said the U.S. would “take a pass” on brokering further Russia-Ukraine negotiations if either side continues to obstruct the peace process.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the sentiment, warning that the U.S. would withdraw from mediation efforts without swift progress.
Ukraine previously signalled its willingness to accept a 30-day US-brokered ceasefire, leaving Russia’s response as the final obstacle—until now.
