Putin: Russia to analyze proposals to stop strikes against civilian targets

RIA Novosti reported the information.

"Russia will analyze the proposals for a moratorium on strikes against civilian targets and will respond," Putin said.  

According to the Russian leader, Russia "always has a positive attitude toward ceasefires, which is why it initiated one for Easter." He emphasized that Moscow hopes Kyiv also has a positive attitude toward peace initiatives.  

In addition, Putin said that it is necessary to "look into" the proposal not to strike civilian infrastructure targets.

"The Ukrainian Armed Forces are holding meetings, gatherings, conferences in restaurants, celebrating something, drinking vodka. Is that a civilian facility? It is. But what is the purpose? Military. This needs to be addressed. All of this is subject to thorough investigation, possibly even bilaterally, as a result of dialogue. We do not rule that out. So we will analyze all of this and make the appropriate decisions," he said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained that Putin was referring to negotiations with Ukraine when he spoke about the need to discuss the issue of halting strikes on civilian targets, according to RIA Novosti.

"When the president spoke about the possibility of discussing the issue of stopping strikes on civilian targets, including bilaterally, he was referring specifically to negotiations and discussions with the Ukrainian side," Peskov said.

Putin also commented on the Russian strike on Sumy on April 13. He claimed that an award ceremony was taking place at the Congress Center of Sumy State University for "those who committed crimes in the Kursk region."

"These are the people Russia considers criminals who were supposed to receive the deserved retribution for their actions," the dictator said.

What is known about Putin's "Easter ceasefire"

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin unilaterally announced an "Easter ceasefire" starting at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 19.  

Until 6:00 p.m., an air raid alert was ongoing in Kyiv. Reconnaissance drones were being shot down over the city's left bank. 

At 5:30 p.m., the Russian forces launched a missile strike on the town of Izium in the Kharkiv region. After 6:00 p.m., destructive strikes by Russian FPV drones continued to be recorded in the Kherson region.

After 9:00 p.m. on April 19, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief provided the president with fresh data from all frontlines regarding the Russian compliance with the conditions of the "Easter ceasefire." It was reported that in some areas of the front, the ceasefire was not being observed, while in others, it had become quieter.

As of the morning of Easter, April 20, the Russian army was trying to create the general impression of a ceasefire at the front, but continued some attempts to advance and inflict losses on Ukraine.  

Russian troops also used the "ceasefire" on April 20 to prepare for the resumption of assault operations in the area of responsibility of the 66th Brigade named after Prince Mstislav the Brave.  

On April 21, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the end of the "Easter ceasefire" and the continuation of the so-called special military operation. They also accused Ukraine of violating the terms.