Putin Declares 32-Hour Easter Ceasefire in Ukraine
Kremlin Announces Temporary Halt in Fighting as Kyiv Continues Push for Broader Peace Deal
- Vladimir Putin declared a 32-hour Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, starting Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
- Ukraine, led by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has repeatedly urged for a temporary halt in hostilities during the holiday period
- Russia says its forces will pause operations but remain on alert
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, following repeated appeals from Kyiv for a pause in fighting during the holiday period.
According to a Kremlin statement released late Thursday, the truce will begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday and run until the end of Sunday, coinciding with Orthodox Easter celebrations.
The Kremlin said Putin ordered a suspension of military operations across all fronts during this period, while also instructing Russian forces to remain alert against possible provocations or hostile actions.
The statement further expressed hope that Ukraine would observe the ceasefire in return.
Ukraine has long called for an Easter truce and has also proposed a broader energy-related ceasefire, suggesting mutual restraint on strikes targeting critical infrastructure such as oil depots and energy facilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine remains ready for reciprocal steps, stressing the need for a peaceful Easter and renewed momentum toward ending the war.
He added that Russia has an opportunity to maintain calm beyond the holiday period and reduce further attacks.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also described the proposed truce as a potential starting point for longer-term peace efforts, saying a lasting ceasefire could open the door to meaningful diplomacy to end the conflict.
