Ukraine's Zelensky confirms Easter ceasefire

President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukraine will observe a ceasefire over the Orthodox Easter weekend, after the Kremlin announced a 32-hour halt to fighting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky chairs a meeting of local authorities in Uzhhorod, western Ukraine.

Photo: EPA/IGOR TKACHENKO

Russian troops have been ordered to halt military action on all fronts from 15:00 local time on Saturday, 11 April, until the end of Sunday – Orthodox Easter, celebrated by most Ukrainians and Russians on 12 April.

Zelensky wrote on social media that Ukraine was ready to take "symmetrical steps" in response to the Kremlin's announcement.

He called on Russia not to resume attacks even after the holiday ends.

Ukraine has repeatedly stated that we are ready for symmetrical steps. We proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holidays this year and will act accordingly. People need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace, and Russia has a chance not to return to strikes…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 9, 2026

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the pause as humanitarian, but stressed that Moscow was seeking a lasting settlement rather than simply a truce.

Kyiv had proposed a similar halt at the end of March, but Russia ignored the appeal at the time.

A comparable ceasefire was declared during Orthodox Easter last year.

Both sides accused each other of violations, though the overall intensity of fighting fell during that period.

(ał)

Source: PAP, IAR, Reuters