Overview

• Russia announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine from April 19 at 18:00 Moscow time to April 21 at 23:00, coinciding with Orthodox Easter celebrations.
• The decision followed a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Chief of Staff Valeri Gerasimov.
• President Putin urged Ukraine to implement a similar ceasefire, stating it would demonstrate a willingness to pursue peace.
• Past ceasefire attempts during religious holidays, including one in January 2023, have failed due to mutual distrust and continued hostilities.
• Orthodox Easter holds significant cultural importance in both nations, making ceasefire proposals during this period symbolically charged.