Russia and Ukraine agree to truce for Orthodox Easter
Russia and Ukraine agree to truce for Orthodox Easter
Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire for Orthodox Easter, directing Russian forces to halt hostilities “in all directions” during the weekend. This agreement follows persistent appeals from Volodymyr Zelensky, who had previously urged Moscow to pause attacks. The truce, effective from 16:00 local time on Saturday, April 11, through Easter Sunday, includes a call for Ukraine to “follow the example” of Russia.
Despite the pause, Russian troops are to remain vigilant, poised to counter “possible enemy provocations” and “aggressive actions.” While the truce offers temporary relief, Ukrainians remain cautious, citing past instances where similar pauses were short-lived.
Ukraine’s cautious optimism
Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope that the Easter break would provide a respite from ongoing violence. He stated,
“People need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace.”
The leader emphasized that the truce could signal a shift, with Russia “having a chance not to return to strikes after Easter as well.”
Earlier this week, Zelensky requested the United States to relay a proposal for a holiday ceasefire to Moscow. While the truce may ease pressure on soldiers along the eastern frontline, where drone attacks persist, it also allows civilians to experience a temporary lull in the conflict.
Recent attacks and the fragility of peace
During the weekend, Ukraine intensified its strikes on Russian infrastructure, targeting energy facilities. Russia claimed residential areas were also damaged, though the effectiveness of the truce remains uncertain. In Nikopol, a drone strike killed several people on a bus, while a missile attack in Zhytomyr resulted in a civilian fatality.
The air raid sirens in Kyiv continued shortly after the truce was announced, underscoring the challenges of achieving lasting calm. While the pause may offer brief relief, Kyiv’s goal of a full ceasefire remains unmet, as Moscow insists on finalizing peace terms before negotiations progress.
Continued diplomatic impasse
Several rounds of talks have stalled since Donald Trump redirected focus to the Middle East. Ukraine has repeatedly proposed a comprehensive ceasefire as the first step toward ending the war, but Moscow demands agreement on terms before committing to peace. This divide has fueled Kyiv’s criticism, accusing Russia of lacking sincerity in its peace efforts.