Putin announced an Easter ceasefire.

The Russian side reported that it is halting all hostilities from 18:00 on April 19 to 00:00 on April 21. President Vladimir Putin announced this citing humanitarian considerations. Russia also urges the Ukrainian side to adhere to the ceasefire but is preparing its troops to repel possible violations and provocations from the enemy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet commented on this information.

However, the Russian side violated the non-aggression agreement regarding Ukraine's energy infrastructure by striking an important facility in Sloviansk an hour after announcing the ceasefire.

U.S. Special Representative Steve Witkoff refused to acknowledge this violation by Russia.

Russia stated that it reserves the right not to adhere to the ceasefire concerning energy facilities, as the Ukrainian army does not observe the moratorium on shelling.

Ukraine is sending evidence of Russia's violations to the capitals of partner states and international organizations.

Despite the decrease in strikes on energy facilities, the overall number of attacks on civilian infrastructure remains high. President Zelensky stated that shelling is increasing.

Analysis:

The announcement of a ceasefire can be seen as a positive step, but the Russian side continues to violate the agreement and persists in aggression. Ongoing attacks on energy facilities and infrastructure threaten the lives and safety of civilians. This could lead to an escalation of the conflict and a worsening humanitarian situation in the region. The international community must do everything possible to stop Russia's aggression and restore the peace process in eastern Ukraine.