Putin Orders One-Day Easter Ceasefire in Ukraine War
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a one-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war to mark Orthodox Easter.
The ceasefire will take effect from 1600 local time on April 11 until the end of April 12, Putin directed in instructions to Russian forces, according to the Kremlin. The pause in operations is declared on humanitarian and religious grounds, as Orthodox Easter falls on April 12 this year.
Putin stated that Russian troops remain ready to respond substantially to any provocations by Ukrainian forces during the truce period.
The Russian order follows an earlier proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a temporary Easter truce. Zelenskyy's suggestion came amid ongoing fighting between the two sides.
The announcement occurs against the backdrop of prolonged conflict in Ukraine, marked by failed diplomatic efforts and a rising humanitarian toll. Neither side has indicated acceptance of broader ceasefire initiatives in recent months.
Details of the ceasefire were confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who emphasized its limited one-day duration tied specifically to the Orthodox holiday observed by many Russians.
This temporary halt represents a rare pause in hostilities, though both Moscow and Kyiv have accused each other of violations during previous short truces.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
More in International
UAE Sends 96 Tonnes of Medical Aid to Afghanistan
IRGC Denies Attacks on Any Country Since Ceasefire
Mohammad Suhail Shaheen Meets UN Official in Qatar on Child Safety
Erdoğan, Pezeshkian Discuss Ceasefire Developments and Regional Security in Phone Call
UAE Sends 96 Tonnes of Medical Aid to Afghanistan
The United Arab Emirates sent 96 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies to Afghanistan from Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport, expected to benefit more than 250,000 people over three months. The aid, instructed by President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, includes supplies from WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières, and UNICEF.
ReliableIRGC Denies Attacks on Any Country Since Ceasefire
The IRGC denied any attacks on countries since a ceasefire, responding to Kuwait's report of a drone strike on a National Guard base causing material damage but no casualties. The IRGC blamed the 'Zionist enemy' or the US if true, stating it announces its own strikes.
ReliableMohammad Suhail Shaheen Meets UN Official in Qatar on Child Safety
Mohammad Suhail Shaheen, head of the Afghan embassy in Qatar, met with UN official Daoud Al-Masri in Doha to discuss child safety in Afghanistan, challenges, and Islamic Emirate actions.
ReliableErdoğan, Pezeshkian Discuss Ceasefire Developments and Regional Security in Phone Call
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian about recent ceasefire developments and regional security. Erdoğan highlighted Turkey's efforts toward a ceasefire, urged effective use of upcoming talks for lasting peace, and offered Ankara's assistance.