Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a truce for Orthodox Easter. President Vladimir Putin announced Russian troops would cease fire "in all directions" this weekend, beginning Saturday at 16:00 local time. This declaration follows repeated calls for a ceasefire from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which had previously been ignored by Moscow.
President Zelensky stated Ukraine was "ready for symmetrical steps," emphasizing the need for an Easter "free from threats and real movement toward peace." He indicated a willingness for Russia "not to return to strikes after Easter as well." Zelensky had previously asked the United States to convey a proposal for a holiday truce to Moscow.
Any pause in fighting would be a relief for soldiers on the front lines in eastern Ukraine, enduring constant drone attacks, and for civilians across the country where air raid sirens and missile strikes are a daily reality.
However, Ukraine remains skeptical of Moscow's intentions. Past Russian declarations of truces, such as an "energy truce" or a unilateral halt for the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, have been followed by renewed attacks and numerous ceasefire violations. Kyiv's ultimate goal remains a full and stable ceasefire as a precursor to negotiating a lasting end to the invasion, a demand Moscow has yet to meet.