Moscow, April 10 (NationPress) In a significant development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a ceasefire in observance of Orthodox Easter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that Kyiv is prepared to comply with this truce.

The Kremlin has announced that the ceasefire will be in effect from 4 PM (Moscow time) on April 11 until the conclusion of April 12, as reported by the Russian news agency Tass.

The official statement clarifies, "By order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire is declared in anticipation of Orthodox Easter - commencing at 4:00 PM [Moscow time, 1:00 PM GMT] on April 11 and lasting until the end of April 12, 2026 [9:00 PM GMT]."

During this ceasefire period from April 11-12, Russian forces have been instructed to halt all combat activities across the board. However, they are to remain vigilant and ready to respond to any potential enemy assault.

The statement further notes, "The Russian Minister of Defence, Andrey Belousov, along with Chief of the General Staff and Commander of the Joint Grouping of Forces, Army General Valery Gerasimov, have been tasked with suspending combat operations in all sectors during this timeframe. Russian troops are to be prepared to counter any provocations or hostile actions from the opposing side."

In parallel, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine had proposed a ceasefire during the Easter festivities and would act in accordance with this plan.

"Ukraine has consistently expressed our readiness to take reciprocal measures. We suggested a ceasefire for the Easter holidays this year and intend to follow through. It is essential for people to experience a peaceful Easter, free from threats, and Russia has the opportunity to refrain from attacks post-Easter," Zelensky conveyed on X.

This ceasefire initiative arises as negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia remain at a standstill.

On April 3, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that Moscow has reiterated its stance that Kyiv must withdraw its forces from Donbass to halt military actions in Ukraine.

When questioned about claims suggesting that Russia had imposed a deadline for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops, he countered, "There are no deadlines; that is not accurate."

"We have stated multiple times that to cease the active phase of the special military operation, Ukraine needs to pull back its forces from Donbass. This action is necessary," Tass quoted Peskov.

He further asserted that the withdrawal of Ukrainian soldiers from Donbass would facilitate a transition towards a political and diplomatic resolution to the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv.

Peskov added, "For this to happen, Zelensky must accept political responsibility and make a decisive choice. However, there are no deadlines involved. This action should have been taken today or, ideally, it should have been carried out yesterday."