Overview
- The two-day Orthodox Easter ceasefire ordered by the Kremlin took effect Saturday afternoon local time, and Ukraine said it would observe the same pause.
- Pro-Russian officials in occupied Nova Kakhovka alleged a Ukrainian drone strike during the truce, reporting one injury and damage to cars and a home.
- In the hours before the pause, Ukrainian regions reported deaths and dozens wounded from Russian strikes, while Russian officials said Ukrainian drones ignited a Krasnodar oil depot.
- Moscow said its forces halted offensive operations for the holiday but remained ready to counter any provocations, and the Kremlin said the announcement was not coordinated with Kyiv or Washington.
- Zelensky called the lull a step toward reviving U.S.–Ukraine–Russia talks, though past holiday truces broke down and unresolved aid and security disputes keep expectations low.