Ukrainian military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has outlined a plan for the country’s defense forces to maintain a ceasefire during the Easter celebrations, which began at 16:00 today and will last until the end of April 12. This directive was confirmed by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The military assured that Ukraine would uphold a “silence regime” and operate under a principle of “mirror response” to any violations. However, they also emphasized the need for readiness to respond to potential provocations or offensive actions from Russian forces.
“If enemy units are observed advancing to the front line, conducting engineering work, or regrouping forces, or if there are signs of real preparation for assault actions, Ukrainian troops have the full right to open fire. The same rules will apply at sea and in the air,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the General Staff noted that any missile launches or drone strikes by the Russian military against Ukrainian territory would also receive a reciprocal response.
Background to this development includes a statement made by President Volodymyr Zelensky on March 30, where he indicated Ukraine’s willingness to establish a ceasefire during the Easter period. The following day, he announced that Ukraine had proposed a ceasefire to Russia and was awaiting a response.
The Kremlin retorted that Zelensky’s comments lacked a clear proposal and claimed that Moscow seeks peace rather than a temporary halt to hostilities.
On April 2, Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine had conveyed its ceasefire proposal to the United States.
“We all saw their (Russia’s) response in the media: they seem to be unprepared for this. I don’t know how serious that response is. We have communicated our request to the American side. I am unsure if they will have the opportunity to convey another message to the Russians. We will see. Our proposal for a ceasefire during Easter remains in place,” he stated.
On April 8, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tikhiy reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for an Easter ceasefire.
“We confirm Ukraine’s readiness for an Easter ceasefire. It remains in effect. And for an energy ceasefire as well. If Russia halts its strikes, Ukraine is also prepared to respond in kind,” he said, referencing successful ceasefire agreements in other regions.
On April 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire from 16:00 on April 11 until the end of April 12. In response, Zelensky stated that Ukraine has repeatedly offered a ceasefire and would act accordingly.
This story is developing…
Ukrainian military forces are set to implement a ceasefire during the Easter period, with strict readiness to respond to any violations by Russian troops. President Zelensky has emphasized Ukraine's commitment to peace, while tensions continue amid ongoing hostilities.