Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine to mark Orthodox Easter, calling for a brief pause in fighting during one of the most important religious occasions in both countries.
The ceasefire is set to last around 32 hours, beginning on April 11 and continuing through April 12. During this time, Russian forces have been ordered to halt military operations along the frontlines. However, they have also been told to stay alert and be ready to respond if the truce is violated, reflecting the fragile nature of the situation.
Moscow has said it expects Ukraine to follow the ceasefire as well. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has earlier supported the idea of a temporary Easter truce, raising hopes that both sides may briefly pause hostilities.
Still, there is deep skepticism on both sides. Previous attempts at ceasefires during religious holidays have often failed, with each side accusing the other of breaking the agreement. This has made many cautious about whether the current truce will truly hold on the ground.
The announcement also comes amid continued violence. Just before the ceasefire, reports of drone strikes and attacks in parts of Ukraine highlighted how tense and unpredictable the conflict remains. Civilians in affected areas continue to bear the brunt of the fighting, with damage to infrastructure and loss of lives.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has dragged on for years, with no clear breakthrough in peace talks. Major disagreements over territory and security continue to block any long-term settlement.
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