MOSCOW April 10: Vladimir Putin announced a temporary Orthodox Easter ceasefire in the war with Ukraine, effective from April 11 at 4 pm Moscow time until the end of April 12.
According to the Kremlin, Russian forces have been ordered to halt combat operations across all fronts during this period, while remaining ready to respond to any attacks or provocations. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is willing to mirror the ceasefire and act in a “symmetrical” way, reiterating Kyiv’s earlier proposal for a holiday truce.
He stressed the need for an Easter free from violence and suggested the pause could help build momentum toward peace.
The ceasefire comes amid stalled negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv to end the ongoing war.
Russian officials continue to insist that Ukraine must withdraw from Donbass as a condition for ending hostilities, while rejecting claims of strict deadlines. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said such a withdrawal would be necessary for a political settlement but did not set time limits.
Despite the temporary truce, both sides remain cautious, with expectations of renewed tensions once the ceasefire ends. (IANS)
