Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not issue an order to extend the Easter ceasefire amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The Easter ceasefire, which was announced by Putin, began on April 19 at 6 pm Moscow time and was set to last until midnight on April 21.
While the Russian leader declared a halt to combat operations for the Easter period, the ceasefire was not extended beyond its initial timeframe.
In response to Putin’s announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to the ceasefire but emphasized that Ukraine would retaliate if Russia violated the truce.
Zelenskyy also called for a longer ceasefire, proposing a 30-day full cessation of hostilities, but this request was not fulfilled by Russia.