MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a 32-hour cease-fire with Ukraine in the run-up to the Orthodox Easter holiday, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that Kiev would respect the cessation of hostilities.
The Kremlin announced on Thursday that the suspension of fighting would begin at 4pm Moscow time on Saturday (1pm Japan time) and last until midnight on Sunday, including Easter celebrations in both countries.
The Kremlin’s statement announcing the ceasefire said that Russian forces were “ordered to cease combat operations on all fronts during this period. The armed forces are ready to repel any provocations or aggressive actions on the part of the enemy.”
“We are proceeding on the assumption that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation,” the Kremlin added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy previously said he had conveyed the Easter ceasefire proposal to Russia through U.S. negotiators.
President Zelenskyy posted on X that Ukraine has repeatedly called for a cessation of hostilities. “We are proposing a ceasefire during this year’s Easter holiday and will act accordingly. People need a threat-free Easter and real movement towards peace, and Russia has a chance not to repeat the strike after Easter.”
As the Russia war enters its fifth year, the United States is brokering talks between envoys in Moscow and Kiev.
Previous efforts to secure a ceasefire have had little effect. President Putin declared a 30-hour ceasefire last Easter, but each side accused the other of breaking it.
The ceasefire comes as widespread diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled and Washington’s attention shifts to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Russian government had not discussed the Easter proposal with the United States in advance and had not indicated an immediate revival of tripartite peace talks.
