Putin declares ceasefire with Ukraine during Easter

(Patria) - Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire with Ukraine during Orthodox Easter, the Kremlin announced on Thursday, after Kyiv also proposed a pause in hostilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated earlier this week that he had adopted a proposal for a ceasefire during the holidays through the United States, as negotiations to end the four-year conflict were interrupted by the war in the Middle East, AFP reports.

"The ceasefire is declared by Putin from 16:00 (13:00 GMT) on April 11 until the end of the day on April 12, 2026, in connection with the approaching Orthodox Easter holiday," the Kremlin statement said.

The General Staff has been "instructed to cease combat operations in all directions during this period," the Kremlin stated, adding that troops are ready to "counter all possible enemy provocations".

"We assume that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation."
Several rounds of US-led negotiations have failed to bring the warring parties closer to an agreement, further delaying negotiations as Washington's attention shifted to Iran.

Negotiations also appeared to be at a standstill, as Moscow demanded territorial and political concessions from Kyiv that Zelensky ruled out as tantamount to surrender.