Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a unilateral Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, ordering his forces to end hostilities at 6 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on Saturday until the end of Sunday.
Putin said he assumed Ukraine would follow Russia's example, but told the chief of Russia's general staff, Valery Gerasimov, to ready Russian troops to repel any violations of the truce by Kyiv.
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EU, UK, Australian foreign ministers condemn Israel's new settlement plan
Foreign ministers from European countries, Australia and Britain on Friday jointly condemned Israel's plans to construct a settlement east of Jerusalem.
Famine officially confirmed in Gaza by UN-backed body
Famine has struck an area of Gaza and will likely spread over the next month, a global hunger monitor determined on Friday, an assessment that will escalate pressure on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into the war-torn Palestinian enclave.
North Korea's Kim decorates soldiers from Russia, consoles children with hugs
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un lauded his country's "heroic" troops who fought for Russia in the war against Ukraine, in a ceremony where he decorated returning soldiers and consoled children of the bereaved with hugs, state media said on Friday.
Sri Lanka arrests former president Wickremesinghe over alleged misuse of state funds
Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who led the country during a devastating 2019-2024 economic crisis, was arrested and appeared in court on Friday over allegations he misused state funds while in office, police said.
Arab League condemns Israel's approval of settlement plan
The Arab League has strongly condemned the settlement plan approved by the Israeli government in the area known as E1 east of Jerusalem, stressing that it threatens the territorial continuity of Palestine.
