Russia’s Putin declares ceasefire with Ukraine for Orthodox Easter | CNN

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a 32-hour ceasefire with Ukraine for the Orthodox Easter holiday, following an earlier offer from Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky for a pause in hostilities. Putin’s decree orders Russian forces to observe a ceasefire from 4 p.m. Saturday (9 a.m ET) until the end of Sunday. The Kremlin statement announcing the ceasefire said Russian forces were ordered “to halt combat operations on all fronts during this period. The troops are to be ready to repel any possible provocations by the adversary, as well as any aggressive actions on its part.” “We proceed from the assumption that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation,” the Kremlin added. Ukraine’s President Zelensky had previously said he had forwarded the offer of an Easter ceasefire to Russia via US negotiators. Zelensky posted on X that Ukraine has repeatedly sought a pause of hostilities. “We proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holidays this year and will act accordingly. People need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace, and Russia has a chance not to return to strikes after Easter as well.” On Saturday, Russ