Russia and Ukraine agree to truce for Orthodox Easter
Russia and Ukraine Agree to Truce for Orthodox Easter
Russian forces have been ordered to halt operations across all fronts during Orthodox Easter, according to Vladimir Putin. The decision comes after Volodymyr Zelensky repeatedly urged a ceasefire, which Moscow had previously refused. The pause will last from 16:00 local time on Saturday, 11 April, through Easter Sunday, with Putin expressing hope that Ukraine will emulate Russia’s actions.
Zelensky has already signaled readiness for countermeasures, posting on X that Ukraine is “prepared for symmetrical steps.” His message emphasized the need for a threat-free holiday and progress toward peace, noting that Russia might avoid renewed attacks after Easter. Earlier this week, Zelensky requested the United States to relay a proposal for a holiday truce to Moscow, aiming to initiate dialogue.
“People need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace,” he wrote. “Russia has a chance not to return to strikes after Easter as well.”
The ceasefire will offer a brief reprieve for soldiers on Ukraine’s eastern frontline, where attacks by drones persist. Civilians, too, will experience a temporary calm, as air raid sirens and missile strikes continue to disrupt daily life. However, skepticism remains among Ukrainians, who recall how Russia claimed a “energy truce” earlier this year—only to resume strikes shortly after.
Recent strikes highlight the ongoing tensions: a drone attack killed several in Nikopol, while a missile landed near a home in Zhytomyr, claiming a life. Even as the truce begins, Ukraine has intensified its drone assaults on Russian infrastructure, targeting energy exports. Russia reports residential damage, suggesting the conflict remains volatile.
Previous attempts at peace have faced challenges. In May, Russia declared a unilateral pause to commemorate the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, but Ukraine documented numerous violations. Kyiv advocates for a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire, while Moscow insists on finalizing the peace deal first. This divide has stalled talks, with the U.S. acting as mediator since Donald Trump redirected focus to the Middle East.
