Russia’s Putin declares ceasefire with Ukraine for Orthodox Easter
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 32-hour ceasefire on all fronts from 4 p.m. Saturday to the end of Sunday to observe the Orthodox Easter holiday, following a similar offer from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- The Kremlin emphasized that Russian troops must be prepared to repel any provocations during the ceasefire and expressed hope that Ukraine would reciprocate the pause in hostilities.
- Zelensky had proposed the Easter ceasefire to Russia via US negotiators, emphasizing the need for a holiday free from threats and a move toward peace, although previous ceasefire attempts have failed.
- The US has been mediating talks between Moscow and Kyiv as the war enters its fifth year, but negotiations remain stalled, particularly over Russia's demand that Ukraine cede control of annexed territories.
- Russia currently occupies about 20% of internationally recognized Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and parts of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, with Moscow insisting on Ukraine surrendering these areas as part of any settlement.
