Russia dismissed Ukraine’s Easter truce offer – then declared its own days later

Russia has announced a unilateral Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, days after previously ignoring Kyiv’s offer for a holiday truce, while a senior Kremlin envoy is in Washington for talks with the Trump administration.

According to Russian state media agency TASS on 9 April, President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian forces to halt combat operations from 16:00 on 11 April until the end of 12 April. However, troops were instructed to remain ready to respond to Ukrainian actions.

Moscow said it expects Ukraine to follow suit, framing the ceasefire as a Russian initiative.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said hours later that Kyiv had already proposed a ceasefire for Easter and would act “symmetrically.” In a statement, he reiterated that Ukraine is ready for reciprocal steps and wants “a real movement toward peace,” adding that Russia now has a chance to extend calm beyond the holiday.

Kremlin envoy in Washington as sanctions clock runs out

The announcement comes as Kirill Dmitriev, a senior Russian envoy and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, is visiting the United States. Sources told Reuters that Dmitriev is meeting members of Donald Trump’s administration to discuss a potential peace framework for Ukraine and economic cooperation.

The timing is notable, with the visit taking place just before a US decision on extending sanctions relief on Russian oil, due to expire on 11 April, according to Reuters.

Last Easter: a declared truce, more than 2,000 violations

During Easter 2025, a declared truce by Russia was not fully observed on the ground. According to Ukrainian military reports cited by Zelenskyy at the time, Russian forces continued shelling and limited assaults across multiple frontline sectors.

In the early hours of Easter morning alone, Ukrainian command recorded dozens of shelling incidents, several combat engagements in eastern areas, and extensive use of drones by Russian forces.

Zelenskyy said Russia was attempting to create the impression of a ceasefire while continuing offensive actions in some areas. Ukraine responded “symmetrically,” adjusting its actions based on battlefield conditions.