Ukraine, Russia agree Orthodox Easter truce

Ukraine and Russia have agreed to a 32-hour ceasefire for the Orthodox Easter holiday, with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordering a halt to combat operations from 4 p.m. local time on Saturday, April 11, until the end of Sunday, April 12, 2026. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had proposed the truce, saying it was a chance for people to have an Easter free from threats and for Russia to move towards peace.

According to the BBC, Russia’s attempt to take the lead in the ceasefire initiative is likely to irritate Ukrainians, given the history of broken promises and ongoing attacks.

The report added that Ukraine has accused Russia of violating the Easter truce, with reports of over 2,000 Russian breaches, while Russia claims Ukraine has launched numerous attacks, including drone strikes.

But Zelensky soon posted on X that Ukraine was “ready for symmetrical steps”.

“People need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace. Russia has a chance not to return to strikes after Easter as well,” he wrote.

Earlier this week, Zelensky said he had asked the United States to pass on a proposal for a holiday weekend truce to Moscow, as a first step.

The BBC further reports that any respite from the fighting would be welcome for the soldiers along the long front line in eastern Ukraine, where they’re hounded relentlessly by attack drones.

Continuing, it would also allow people to relax across the country, where air raid sirens are part of everyday lives with Russian missiles and drones continuing to kill and injure civilians.

According to the BBC, Ukraine has also increased its drone attacks on Russia, targeting its energy exports in particular in a series of intense strikes. Russia says residential houses were also hit.

(BBC)