Zelensky responded to the Kremlin’s announced “Easter ceasefire” with caveats and new political demands

Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the “Easter truce” announced by the Kremlin, saying that Kyiv is ready for “mirror steps,” but at the same time once again linked the issue of a ceasefire to further political and military conditions.

He said this on Telegram.

According to Reuters and AP, Vladimir Putin announced a 32-hour truce for Orthodox Easter — from 4:00 p.m. on April 11 until the end of April 12, 2026 — while Moscow said it expected similar actions from Ukraine.

Zelensky stressed that Ukraine had previously proposed a ceasefire during the holidays and promised to act “accordingly.” At the same time, his statement did not look like unequivocal support for the initiative, but rather like another exchange of political signals against the backdrop of the continuing war. Reuters had earlier reported that Zelensky had indeed proposed an Easter pause in strikes on energy infrastructure, but that no lasting agreements had been reached.

At the same time, Zelensky announced a new format of talks involving the United States, making it clear that Kyiv is still counting on outside mediation and discussion of future security guarantees. According to him, questions remain open regarding financing for the Ukrainian army, supplies of air defense systems, and the U.S. response to a possible new escalation. Against this backdrop, even a short-term truce is being presented not as an independent step toward de-escalation, but as part of a broader political bargain.