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Kremlin orders temporary ceasefire for Orthodox Easter
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral ceasefire from 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Saturday, April 11, through Easter Sunday, urging Ukraine to reciprocate. The move follows repeated Ukrainian appeals for a truce, previously ignored by Moscow.
Ukraine responds with cautious optimism
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the announcement but emphasized the need for a lasting pause in hostilities. In a post on X, he stated, "People need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace." Zelensky added that Ukraine was "ready for symmetrical steps" but remained skeptical of Russia's intentions.
Ceasefire aims to ease civilian and military strain
A temporary halt in fighting would provide relief for soldiers along the eastern front, where drone attacks have been relentless. Civilians, too, could benefit, as air raid sirens and missile strikes have become routine. Recent attacks killed several people in Nikopol and Zhytomyr, underscoring the urgency of a pause.
History of broken truces fuels skepticism
Ukrainians have reason to doubt the ceasefire's durability. Earlier this year, Russia declared an "energy truce," suspending strikes on Ukraine's power plants-only to resume attacks shortly after. A similar unilateral halt last May, marking the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, saw hundreds of violations recorded by Kyiv.
Divergent paths to peace
Ukraine has repeatedly proposed a full ceasefire as a precursor to negotiations, but Moscow insists on agreeing to a peace deal first. Kyiv accuses Russia of lacking genuine commitment to ending the war. Diplomatic efforts, mediated by the U.S., have stalled since former President Donald Trump shifted focus to the Middle East.
What's next
If the truce holds, it could offer brief respite for war-weary populations. However, both sides remain on high alert, with Russia warning of potential "provocations" and Ukraine preparing for possible violations. The sirens in Kyiv sounded again shortly after the announcement, a reminder of the fragile nature of the pause.
