Moscow, April 10: Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a ceasefire for Orthodox Easter, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing Kyiv’s willingness to abide it.
According to the Kremlin, the ceasefire will remain in effect from 4 pm (Moscow time) on April 11 and until the end of April 12, leading Russian news agency Tass reported. The statement reads, “By decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire has been declared ahead of the Orthodox Easter – from 4:00 p.m. [Moscow time, 1:00 p.m. GMT] on April 11 until the end of April 12, 2026 [9:00 pm GMT].”
Troops Told to Halt Operations, Stay Alert
Russian soldiers have been ordered to cease combat operations in all directions during the ceasefire from April 11 to 12. However, they have been asked to stand ready to repel any enemy attack.
The statement reads, “Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Andrey Belousov and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Commander of the Joint Grouping of Forces Army General Valery Gerasimov have been instructed to halt combat operations in all areas for this period. Russian troops are to remain ready to repel any possible provocations by the enemy, as well as any aggressive actions on its part.”
Meanwhile, Zelensky stated that Ukraine had proposed a ceasefire during the Easter Holidays and would act accordingly.
Zelensky Calls for Peace, Urges End to Attacks After Easter
“Ukraine has repeatedly stated that we are ready for symmetrical steps. We proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holidays this year and will act accordingly. People need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace, and Russia has a chance not to return to strikes after Easter as well,” Zelensky posted on X.
Ukraine has repeatedly stated that we are ready for symmetrical steps. We proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holidays this year and will act accordingly. People need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace, and Russia has a chance not to return to strikes…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 9, 2026
When asked about reports alleging that Russia had set a deadline for the withdrawal of Ukrainian soldiers, he responded, “There are no deadlines, it’s not true.”