Moscow, April 10, 2026: Russia has announced a temporary 32-hour ceasefire with Ukraine on the occasion of Orthodox Easter, offering a brief pause in the ongoing conflict.
Ceasefire Timing and Orders from Putin
According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ceasefire will begin at 4:00 PM on April 11 and continue until the end of April 12, 2026.
Vladimir Putin has directed top military officials, including Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov, to halt all combat operations during this period.
However, Russian forces have been instructed to remain fully prepared to respond to any provocations or aggressive actions.
Russia Expects Ukraine to Follow Suit
The Russian government stated that it expects Ukraine to respect the ceasefire and reciprocate the pause in hostilities. The announcement highlights a cautious approach, with Moscow emphasizing readiness for any violations.
Zelenskyy’s Earlier Ceasefire Proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had earlier proposed a similar Easter ceasefire, urging support from international partners, including the United States.
Zelenskyy had criticized Russia in the past for rejecting such proposals, stating that “nothing is sacred” for Moscow and calling for stronger global action to pressure Russia into peace negotiations.
Previous Ceasefire Attempts Failed
This is not the first time a holiday ceasefire has been attempted. A similar Easter truce last year collapsed quickly, raising doubts about the effectiveness of such temporary pauses in reducing tensions.
Ongoing Conflict and Stalled Peace Talks
Despite multiple diplomatic efforts, including US-mediated discussions, peace talks between Russia and Ukraine remain stalled. Key issues continue to include:
- Russia’s claim over occupied territories
- Ukraine’s refusal to concede land
- Demand for stronger international security guarantees
The conflict continues with no immediate resolution in sight.
While the Orthodox Easter ceasefire offers a brief window of calm, skepticism remains high due to past failures. The success of this temporary truce will depend on mutual compliance and genuine intent from both sides, as global attention remains focused on the ongoing war.
