Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a truce for Orthodox Easter. Seven hours ago. Sarah Rainsford, Reuters Eastern Europe correspondent based in Kyiv. Russia and Ukraine have reached a truce agreement for Orthodox Easter, with Vladimir Putin stating he has instructed Russian forces to halt fire “in all directions” this weekend. Moscow’s announcement followed multiple ceasefire appeals from Volodymyr Zelensky that the Kremlin had previously disregarded. Putin specified the truce would run from 16:00 local time (14:00 BST) on Saturday, 11 April, until Easter Sunday, urging Ukraine to “follow Russia’s example.” He instructed his troops to prepare for intercepting any “possible enemy provocations” or “aggressive actions.” . Russia’s tone and bid to seize the initiative will rile Ukrainians. But Zelensky quickly posted on X that Ukraine was “ready for symmetrical steps.” “People need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace,” he wrote. Russia also has an opportunity to avoid resuming strikes after Easter.
