Orthodox Easter Approaches; Russian and Ukrainian Leaders Agree to 32-Hour Ceasefire

It is reported that Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev is currently in the United States to discuss issues such as a peace agreement for Ukraine. According to AFP, the four-year war between Russia and Ukraine has seen limited and brief ceasefires in the past, but Moscow and Kyiv quickly accused each other of violating the agreements. As ceasefire negotiations for the Russia-Ukraine war were hampered by the Middle East conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this week that he had proposed this holiday ceasefire through the United States. The Kremlin stated later today in a statement that Russian President Vladimir Putin, "in view of the upcoming Orthodox Easter," announced a "ceasefire from 16:00 GMT (13:00 UTC) on April 11, 2026, until the end of April 12." Hours later, Zelenskyy responded: "Ukraine has repeatedly stated that we are ready to take reciprocal measures. We proposed a ceasefire during Easter this year and will implement it accordingly." Zelenskyy added: "People need an Easter without threats, with real progress towards peace, and Russia has an opportunity to avoid returning to hostilities after Easter." The Kremlin stated that Putin had instructed "all directions to cease combat operations during this period," while troops were prepared for "any possible provocations by the enemy." The Kremlin added, "We assume that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation." The Russia-Ukraine war has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and displaced millions, making it Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.