Russia and Ukraine declared a 32-hour ceasefire beginning Saturday for Orthodox Easter, though Ukraine’s Zelenskyy cautioned readiness for potential Russian violations.
Kremlin Announces Easter Ceasefire
The Kremlin announced Thursday that a ceasefire would begin on Saturday at 4:00 PM Moscow time (3:00 PM in Poland) and last until the end of Sunday, totaling 32 hours. The reason given for the suspension of hostilities is the Orthodox Easter celebration.
A similar ceasefire was announced last year, but both sides claimed it was repeatedly violated.
Ukraine Prepares for Potential Attacks
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy informed the public Saturday that he discussed plans for troop deployment during the ceasefire with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Syryskyi, emphasizing the army’s preparedness for any developments on the front lines.
Zelenskyy Outlines Response to Violations
“Today, we established the rules for our response to potential violations of the ceasefire terms by the Russian army. We all understand who we are dealing with. Ukraine will adhere to the ceasefire and will act only in a retaliatory manner. The absence of Russian attacks in the air, on land, and at sea will mean the absence of our response,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.
Previous Ceasefire Attempts and Ongoing Conflict
Zelenskyy noted that he had previously proposed a similar pause in fighting, but talks regarding an end to the four-year-long war stalled, in part due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Zelenskyy also indicated the possibility of extending the ceasefire beyond Easter.
Ukraine Reports Attacks Before Ceasefire
Prior to the ceasefire’s commencement on Saturday, Ukraine was attacked by at least 160 Russian drones. Four people were killed in the east and south of the country, including two in the Odesa region. Russian shelling also wounded 14 people in the Sumy region and 10 in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, local authorities reported.
Return of Prisoners of War
Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian citizens, many of whom had been held in Russian captivity since 2022, would return home for the holidays. Some are wounded. A total of 175 individuals, including members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and border guards, were released, along with seven civilians.
Zelenskyy Expresses Gratitude
“I thank every unit that replenishes our ‘exchange fund’ and thus brings closer the return of our people. Bringing everyone home from Russian captivity is a matter of principle for us. I thank everyone in the world who helps us with this,” Zelenskyy wrote on Saturday.
