Vladimir Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a 32-hour ceasefire over the Orthodox Easter weekend, starting 4pm Saturday until the end of Sunday, following a call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a pause.
- Zelenskyy had earlier proposed that both sides stop targeting each other's energy infrastructure during the holiday, an offer made through US-mediated talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
- The Kremlin emphasized that Russian troops are to cease hostilities but remain prepared for any provocations, expressing hope that Ukraine will reciprocate the ceasefire.
- There was no immediate response from Kyiv, and previous unilateral ceasefires by Russia have been largely ineffective, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
- US-led negotiations on a broader peace settlement have stalled, with Washington's focus shifting to the Middle East conflict while fighting continues along the extensive frontline in Ukraine.
