Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday declared a temporary halt in fighting in Ukraine to mark Orthodox Easter, stating that Russian forces would pause combat operations from Saturday afternoon through the end of Sunday and calling on Kyiv to adopt a similar approach.
According to a Kremlin statement, “In connection with the approaching holiday of Orthodox Easter, a ceasefire is declared from 1600 on 11th April to the end of the day of 12th April.”
The statement added, “We proceed on the basis that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation.”
The directive was transmitted through Russia’s military command structure, with Defense Minister Andrei Belousov instructing Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov “to stop for this period military action in all directions,” while also emphasizing that Russian forces should remain prepared “to eliminate all possible provocations by the enemy as well as any aggressive actions.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded early Friday, indicating that Ukraine would act in line with the proposed Easter truce.
“Ukraine has repeatedly stated that we are ready for reciprocal steps. We proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holiday this year and will act accordingly,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram after the Kremlin ordered troops to observe a 32-hour ceasefire.
He added, “People need an Easter without threats and a real move towards peace, and Russia has a chance not to return to attacks even after Easter.”
The announcement comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine, which began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues into its fifth year. Similar ceasefire efforts during religious holidays in the past have largely broken down, with both sides accusing one another of violating the terms.