Putin Declares 32-Hour Easter Ceasefire in Ukraine; Zelenskyy Says He'll Mirror It
Russia ordered its forces to halt combat operations from 4 PM Saturday to the end of Sunday for Orthodox Easter. Zelenskyy said he's ready to reciprocate, calling a silent Easter 'the signal that tells everyone diplomacy can succeed.'
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a 32-hour ceasefire in Ukraine for Orthodox Easter, ordering his forces to halt combat operations from 4 PM Moscow time on April 11 through the end of April 12.
"By decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire has been declared ahead of the Orthodox Easter."
Defense Minister Andrey Belousov and Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov received orders to stop military action in all directions. Russian troops were told to remain ready to "repel any enemy aggression or provocations."
The Kremlin added: "We proceed from the assumption that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded that he is ready to mirror the ceasefire. "People need Easter without threats," he said.
Two Different Proposals
The two sides arrived at this point from different directions. Zelenskyy proposed an "energy ceasefire" on April 6, asking both sides to stop targeting each other's energy infrastructure through US mediation. He framed it as something that could outlast the holiday: "A ceasefire during Easter could be the signal that tells everyone -- diplomacy can succeed."
Moscow initially reacted coolly, saying it preferred a comprehensive peace deal. Russian drones continued striking Ukrainian cities, including an attack on Odesa that killed three people. Over 700 drones were launched in the 24 hours around Zelenskyy's proposal, with energy facilities among the main targets.
Putin's declaration is broader in scope -- a full military halt, not just energy infrastructure -- but far shorter in duration. Thirty-two hours over a holiday weekend.
A Pattern From Last Year
This is the second consecutive Easter ceasefire. In April 2025, Putin declared a similar 30-36 hour pause. Both sides accused each other of violations. Fighting intensity decreased during the period but did not stop entirely.
The war is now in its fifth year. Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
On the Same Day
Separately, Russia and Ukraine exchanged the remains of fallen soldiers on April 9 -- Russia returned the bodies of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers while Ukraine transferred 41 Russian remains.