The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced that the Defense Forces will implement a ceasefire on land, at sea, and in the air during the Easter celebrations, while remaining vigilant to the actions of the opposing forces.
Following instructions from President Volodymyr Zelensky, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi outlined the mission for the Ukrainian Defense Forces to maintain a ceasefire during this period. The forces will operate under a principle of reciprocal response.
“Ukraine will ensure a quiet period and will act on a clear principle: mirror response. Given previous violations of such agreements by Russian forces, the Ukrainian Defense Forces must be prepared for immediate responses to any provocations or offensive actions from the aggressor,” the statement read.
In cases where enemy units are detected advancing to the front line, conducting engineering work, or regrouping forces that suggest preparations for an assault, Ukrainian troops are authorized to engage. This protocol will also apply at sea and in the air.
Any missile launches or drone strikes by the Russian military against Ukrainian territory will be met with a corresponding response.
In related developments, the Kremlin announced that President Putin declared an “Easter ceasefire” lasting one and a half days, from 4 PM Moscow time on April 11 to the end of April 12, 2026. President Zelensky remarked on the necessity of mirror actions in response to this ceasefire declaration.
On April 11, Zelensky and Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi established parameters for responding to potential violations of the ceasefire conditions by Russian forces.
At approximately 4 PM on April 11, Russian state media reported the commencement of the announced “Easter ceasefire.”
Ukraine's Defense Forces will enforce a ceasefire during Easter celebrations while remaining prepared for any provocations from Russian forces. The approach emphasizes a reciprocal response to any violations.