Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to coincide with the Orthodox Easter holiday, according to a Kremlin statement released Thursday.
The truce will take effect from 16local time (1300 GMT) on 11 April and remain in place until the end of 12 April, marking the observance of Orthodox Easter.
The Kremlin said the decision was made in connection with the religious occasion and confirmed that Russian forces have been ordered to halt combat operations across all fronts during this period, reports DW.
However, Moscow added that its troops would remain prepared to respond to any potential “provocations” during the ceasefire window.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded cautiously, indicating that Kyiv would mirror Russia’s actions.
In a statement posted on X, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s position, saying the country is ready to take “symmetrical steps” in response to the truce.
“People deserve an Easter without fear and a genuine step toward peace,” he wrote, adding that Russia has an opportunity to extend the pause in hostilities beyond the holiday period.
Earlier this week, Zelenskyy had urged Moscow to agree to an Easter ceasefire. A similar initiative was announced by Putin last year, though both sides later accused each other of breaching the agreement.
Despite periodic calls for temporary truces, broader efforts to end the war – now in its fifth year since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 – have failed to produce a lasting resolution. Russia continues to push for territorial and political concessions, demands that Ukraine has firmly rejected.
While the United States, under President Donald Trump, has attempted to mediate between the two sides, its focus has recently shifted toward escalating tensions involving Iran.
Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with no comprehensive peace agreement in sight.
