The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, announced an Easter ceasefire, the Kremlin reports.
Recall that earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for a ceasefire on Easter, but without specific deadlines.
"By the decision of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, in connection with the upcoming Orthodox holiday of Easter, a ceasefire is declared from 16:00 on April 11 until the end of the day on April 12, 2026," the Kremlin's statement published in Max said.
Putin instructed soldiers, officers, and generals of the Armed Forces to halt combat operations in all directions during this period, but to be ready to "suppress possible provocations from the enemy" and "any of its aggressive actions."
Moscow assumes that the Ukrainian side will follow suit, the Kremlin noted.
A week ago, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready to support a ceasefire on Easter if Russia agrees. At the same time, he emphasized that Ukraine's real goal is not short pauses but the final end of the war.
"Normal people who respect life talk about a ceasefire and the end of the war for good, not for a few days. But, of course, we are ready for any compromises. Except for compromises with our, as I said, dignity and sovereignty," the president stated.
Zelensky also expressed skepticism about the risk that Russia would use the pause for regrouping. According to him, a few days cannot significantly change the situation on the front.
