Vladimir Putin has declared a 32-hour ceasefire in Ukraine over the Orthodox Easter weekend, following an earlier call from Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a pause. The Kremlin announced the order on Thursday, directing Russian forces to observe a ceasefire starting at 4pm on Saturday and lasting until the end of Sunday.
Zelenskyy had proposed earlier this week that both sides stop targeting each other's energy infrastructure during the holiday, saying the offer was made through the United States, which has been mediating talks between Moscow and Kyiv. There was no immediate reaction from Ukraine to Putin's announcement.
Previous attempts at ceasefires have had little impact. Last Easter, Putin unilaterally declared a 30-hour ceasefire, but each side accused the other of violating it. The Kremlin statement said troops were ordered to cease hostilities in all directions, but added they should be prepared to counter any provocations or aggressive actions from Ukraine.
Moscow said it assumes Kyiv will follow suit. Russia has rejected a 30-day unconditional truce proposed by the US and Ukraine last year, insisting instead on a comprehensive settlement. The US-led talks have made little progress, and attention has shifted to the Middle East as fighting continues along the 800-mile frontline.
