Putin Orders One-Day Easter Ceasefire in Ukraine War

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a one-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war to mark Orthodox Easter.

The ceasefire will take effect from 1600 local time on April 11 until the end of April 12, Putin directed in instructions to Russian forces, according to the Kremlin. The pause in operations is declared on humanitarian and religious grounds, as Orthodox Easter falls on April 12 this year.

Putin stated that Russian troops remain ready to respond substantially to any provocations by Ukrainian forces during the truce period.

The Russian order follows an earlier proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a temporary Easter truce. Zelenskyy's suggestion came amid ongoing fighting between the two sides.

The announcement occurs against the backdrop of prolonged conflict in Ukraine, marked by failed diplomatic efforts and a rising humanitarian toll. Neither side has indicated acceptance of broader ceasefire initiatives in recent months.

Details of the ceasefire were confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who emphasized its limited one-day duration tied specifically to the Orthodox holiday observed by many Russians.

This temporary halt represents a rare pause in hostilities, though both Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of violations during previous short truces.