Asiye Latife Yilmaz
10 April 2026•Update: 10 April 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that Ukraine is ready to take “symmetrical steps” following Russia’s announcement of an Easter ceasefire, while urging Moscow not to resume attacks after the holiday.
In a statement shared on US social media company X, Zelenskyy said Kyiv has “repeatedly stated” its readiness for reciprocal measures and confirmed that Ukraine would act in line with its ceasefire proposal for the Easter period.
Orthodox Christians, including those in Russia and Ukraine, observe Easter using the Julian calendar, with Holy Friday or Good Friday on April 10 and major resurrection celebrations on Sunday, April 12.
“People need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace, and Russia has a chance not to return to strikes after Easter as well,” Zelenskyy said.
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an Easter ceasefire with Ukraine, effective from 4.00 pm (1300GMT) on April 11 until the end of April 12, in connection with the upcoming holiday, the Kremlin said.
Russia expects the Ukrainian side to follow its example, the Kremlin press service said in a statement.
"By decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, in connection with the upcoming Orthodox holiday of Easter (the Holy Resurrection of Christ), a ceasefire is declared from 4.00 pm on April 11 until the end of the day on April 12, 2026," the statement read.
It added that Defense Minister Andrey Belousov and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov were instructed to halt combat operations on all fronts during this period.
"Forces are to be prepared to suppress possible provocations by the enemy, as well as any aggressive actions on its part. We proceed from the understanding that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation," it said.
