politics
April 12, 2026
Russia’s Easter truce comes into force
President Vladimir Putin has ordered a temporary Easter ceasefire, halting military operations while remaining ready to respond to any Ukrainian attacks
TL;DR
- Russia declared a temporary ceasefire from Saturday 16:00 Moscow time through Sunday.
- The Kremlin described the move as a humanitarian gesture, not a substitute for lasting peace.
- Moscow stated readiness to respond to any Ukrainian offensive operations or provocations.
- Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky responded by stating Kiev was 'ready for mirror steps' and called for a prolonged truce.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the desire for a 'lasting, sustainable peace' if Zelensky 'takes responsibility'.
- Moscow's demands include Kiev withdrawing forces from the Donbass region and addressing neutrality and policies targeting ethnic Russians.
- Russia has previously declared unilateral ceasefires for Orthodox holidays, including Easter truces in 2023 and 2025.
- The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Kiev violated the 2025 Easter truce over 3,900 times.
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