Putin declares Easter truce

Artillery in action. Photo: 19FortyFive

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a ceasefire with Ukraine for Orthodox Easter, Russian and international media report. Reuters, AP, Ukrinform, and Ukrainska Pravda all reported on April 9 that the Kremlin had declared a temporary Easter truce.

“By decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, V.V. Putin, in connection with the approaching Orthodox feast of Easter, the Bright Resurrection of Christ, a ceasefire is declared,” the statement said. Contemporary reports quote the Kremlin as saying the truce will run from 4:00 p.m. on April 11 until the end of April 12, 2026.

The ceasefire will last 32 hours – from 4:00 p.m. on April 11, 2026, until the end of April 12.

The statement also says that Moscow expects the Ukrainian side to “follow Russia’s example” and cease fire as well. Reuters reported that the Kremlin framed the move as one it hoped Ukraine would mirror.

As the UOJ previously reported, Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier that Ukraine was ready to discuss a full ceasefire, including for the Easter holidays.

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