Putin Declares Easter Ceasefire in Ukraine War

The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an “Easter ceasefire” in the war in Ukraine, declaring a temporary halt in hostilities lasting around 36 hours.

According to Russian state-aligned agencies TASS and RIA Novosti, the truce is set to run from 16:00 Moscow time on 11 April until the end of 12 April 2026, coinciding with Orthodox Easter celebrations on 12 April.

In an official statement, the Kremlin said the decision was made by the “Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation” in connection with the religious holiday. “By decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, in connection with the approaching Orthodox holiday of Easter, a ceasefire is declared from 16:00 on 11 April until the end of the day on 12 April 2026,” the statement read.

Moscow also expressed the expectation that Kyiv would mirror the move. “We proceed from the assumption that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation (on the ‘Easter ceasefire’),” the Kremlin added.

At the same time, Putin instructed Russian forces to suspend offensive operations for the duration of the truce, while remaining prepared to respond if attacked.

Orthodox Easter this year falls on 12 April, marking the religious context for the announcement.

The move comes against the backdrop of earlier diplomatic exchanges regarding a possible Easter pause. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously said Ukraine would be open to a temporary ceasefire over the holiday period, including energy-related restrictions on strikes. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had earlier dismissed such proposals, arguing they lacked a clear framework.

A similar announcement was made in 2025, when Putin declared a three-day Easter ceasefire. Despite that, reports at the time indicated that fighting and drone attacks continued during the period, raising questions over compliance with previous truce declarations.