Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, Zelenskyy agrees

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced an Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, the Kremlin said Thursday, while his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv would abide by the measure.

According to the ​calendar of the Orthodox faith, dominant in both Russia and Ukraine, Easter falls this ​year on ⁠April 12.

"By the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire has been declared in view of the upcoming Orthodox holiday of Easter, from 16:00 on April 11 until the end of the day on April 12, 2026," the Kremlin said in a statement.

According to the statement, Russia's Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov have been instructed to cease combat operations along all fronts during this period. 

Zelenskyy said Ukraine had repeatedly proposed a halt ​to fighting for Orthodox Easter.

"Ukraine has repeatedly stated that we are ready for reciprocal steps. We proposed a ​ceasefire during the Easter holiday this year and will act accordingly," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.

"People need an Easter without threats and a ‌real ⁠move towards peace, and Russia has a chance not to return to attacks even after Easter."

(With input from agencies)