In a surprise move, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a unilateral Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, ordering Russian troops to halt all military actions from Saturday evening to the end of Sunday. The announcement, made on humanitarian grounds, is being viewed as both a symbolic gesture and a test of Ukraine’s willingness to cooperate in the pursuit of peace.
Russia Halts Military Action for Orthodox Easter
According to a statement issued by the Kremlin, the ceasefire begins Saturday at 6 PM (local time) and will last until the end of Sunday, aligning with the celebration of Orthodox Easter. Putin instructed the Russian military not to carry out any offensive actions during this period, though he also directed troops to remain alert for any provocation from the Ukrainian side.
“Russia, guided by humanitarian values, is declaring an Easter truce from Saturday evening to Sunday night. All military operations are to be suspended during this period,” Putin said. “We hope Ukraine will follow our example and respect this ceasefire.”
Warning of Possible Ukrainian Violations
Despite the announcement, Putin made it clear that the Russian military must be prepared to respond to any violations. He ordered Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov to ensure Russian forces are on standby in case of “provocations or attacks” from Ukraine.
Putin also used the opportunity to accuse Ukraine of consistently violating prior de-escalation efforts. He claimed that Ukraine breached a no-strike agreement over 100 times in recent weeks by targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure. This accusation came just a day after Russia formally lifted a previous ban on striking Ukrainian energy facilities, signaling escalating tensions.
Ceasefire to Test Ukraine’s Intentions
The Russian President framed the ceasefire as a litmus test for Ukraine’s commitment to peace talks. “This temporary truce will demonstrate Ukraine’s honesty and willingness to engage in peace negotiations,” Putin stated. The move echoes earlier efforts for ceasefires during religious holidays—such as Easter 2022 and Orthodox Christmas 2023—which both failed to achieve lasting peace, as both sides continued hostilities.
Fresh Gains for Russia in Kursk Region
Coinciding with the ceasefire announcement, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported military gains on the border. Russian forces allegedly reclaimed control over the village of Oleshniya in the Kursk region, forcing Ukrainian troops to retreat. The ministry described this as regaining one of the “last remaining positions” near the border.
While Russia presents this ceasefire as a peace-driven initiative, the ongoing territorial advances and warnings of retaliation suggest a dual strategy—showcasing diplomacy while preparing for continued military engagement.
Global Reactions Await
The international community is expected to closely monitor the ceasefire and its effectiveness. Analysts suggest that while the truce could momentarily lower tensions, it is unlikely to result in a long-term resolution unless both Moscow and Kyiv commit to genuine dialogue and mutual trust—something that has so far remained elusive.
