Ukraine signals readiness for Easter ceasefire, Zelenskyy
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire during the Easter holidays. Asked by the journalists, he also commented on whether Russia could strengthen its positions during such a pause.
Read also: 'First in Ukraine’s history.' Zelenskyy reveals breakthrough deals with the Middle East
"We have supported any formats to end the war, you know that, but only when they (Russia - ed.) do not compromise the dignity and independence of our state. A ceasefire, in any form, as we discussed today, whether full or limited to energy infrastructure, we are ready for a ceasefire during the Easter holidays,” the President emphasized.
The head of state added that "normal people who respect life" talk about a permanent ceasefire and ending the war for good, not just for a few days.
"But of course, we are ready for any compromises, except those involving our dignity and sovereignty. As for strengthening positions over these 2–3 days, Russia will not be able to strengthen anything in that time. We remember what they promised in three days, and what they failed to achieve,” Zelenskyy noted.
When Easter is celebrated in 2026
The date of Easter is movable and calculated each year using a special method (the computus), which takes into account the spring equinox and the first full moon after it.
Due to different calendar systems, Orthodox and Catholic dates often do not coincide. In 2026, Roman Catholics and most Protestant communities will celebrate Easter on April 5.
Meanwhile, Orthodox Christians will celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 12.
Energy ceasefire
On January 29, US President Donald Trump said he had asked Russian leader Vladimir Putin to temporarily halt strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure due to the severe cold.
The proposed energy ceasefire was supposed to last one week. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow agreed to stop strikes only until February 1.
The energy ceasefire began on January 30, but already on the night of February 3, Russia launched massive strikes on energy facilities in several regions of Ukraine. As a result, many Ukrainians were left without heating.
In response, Zelenskyy stressed that Russia had violated the so-called energy ceasefire and had chosen the coldest days of the winter to attack.
RBC-Ukraine previously reported that Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Presidential Office, said Ukraine and Russia could carry out a large prisoner exchange over Easter. According to him, everything necessary would be done to make it happen.
It is also worth noting that ahead of Easter 2025, the Russian leader announced a so-called Easter ceasefire, which was supposed to last just over a day, but fighting never fully stopped.
According to Zelenskyy, Russia violated last year's Easter ceasefire 2,935 times.
