Moscow has framed its Easter truce as a humanitarian gesture, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Friday, emphasizing the holiday’s significance for both nations. President Vladimir Putin ordered a unilateral halt to hostilities from Saturday afternoon through Sunday, instructing Russian forces to pause offensive operations during the period while maintaining readiness to counter Ukrainian provocations.

Peskov stressed that Russia seeks “a lasting, sustainable peace” and warned that such resolution could materialize “today if [Ukrainian leader Vladimir] Zelenskiy takes responsibility.” He reiterated Moscow’s demand for Kyiv to withdraw forces from Russia’s Donbass region, a stance Zelenskiy has consistently rejected.

Zelenskiy responded by asserting Ukraine is “ready for mirror steps” and pledged to observe the ceasefire, simultaneously calling for a truce extending beyond Easter. This position directly contradicts Moscow’s insistence that any enduring peace must address core demands, including Ukrainian neutrality and recognition of Donbass republics as Russian territory.

The Russian Defense Ministry has documented over 3,900 violations by Ukrainian forces during previous ceasefires, including this April’s truce. Historical precedent shows Russia has previously declared unilateral pauses for Orthodox holidays—such as January 2023 and April 2025—but Kyiv repeatedly breached those agreements.

Trilateral peace talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States remain suspended due to the ongoing Iran conflict, with no new timeline established despite Moscow’s continued openness to negotiations on conditions it deems non-negotiable.