The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that the country is ready to reciprocate initiatives for a ceasefire during the Easter holidays. This position was expressed in response to the Russian president’s announcement of a “Easter ceasefire” from 4:00 PM on April 11 to the end of the day on April 12.
This is reported by Finway
Readiness for a Ceasefire on Easter
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has repeatedly expressed its willingness to support mirrored steps towards establishing a ceasefire on Easter. The president reminded that this year, the Ukrainian side officially proposed a ceasefire during the celebrations and will act accordingly to this initiative.
“Ukraine has repeatedly stated that we are ready for mirrored steps. We proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holidays this year and will act accordingly. People need an Easter without threats and a real move towards peace, and Russia has a chance not to return to strikes even after Easter”
He also noted that Ukrainians wish to celebrate Easter without danger and with hope for genuine progress towards peace. According to Zelensky, Russia has the opportunity to refrain from strikes not only during the holidays but also afterwards.
Details of the Initiative and Previous Experience
Earlier, on the evening of April 9, the Kremlin announced Putin’s decision to instruct the Russian armed forces to “halt combat operations in all directions” during the specified period. At the same time, the Russian leadership urged the military to remain on alert for “possible provocations from the enemy and any of its aggressive actions.”
As early as the end of March, Zelensky had stated Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire on Easter, which this year is celebrated by Orthodox and Greek Catholics on April 12. The president also emphasized that Ukraine had reached out to the United States with a corresponding request. However, it remained unclear whether the American side would be able to convey this proposal to the Russian Federation; nonetheless, Kyiv’s initiative for a ceasefire remains relevant.
It should be noted that in 2025, Putin also announced a unilateral ceasefire for Easter lasting one and a half days. At that time, both sides of the conflict accused each other of numerous violations of the ceasefire, but the intensity of hostilities during that period was noticeably lower.