By SCM ONLINE REPORTER
VLADIMIR PUTIN has ordered a shock 32-hour Easter truce in Ukraine—but warned his top brass to remain “ready for action” if Kyiv refuses to lay down its arms.
In a rare move from the Kremlin, the Russian tyrant instructed his forces to cease fire across the entire frontline to mark the Orthodox Christian holiday.
The truce is set to begin at 4:00 pm (MSK) on Saturday, April 11, and will run until the clock strikes midnight at the end of Sunday, April 12.
The ‘Peace’ Order
Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and General Valery Gerasimov, the head of the Russian Armed Forces, received the direct order from the “Supreme Commander-in-Chief” this morning.
The Kremlin statement confirmed:
”The troops are to be prepared to counter any provocations or aggressive actions by the enemy.”
While Moscow claimed the move is a gesture of religious respect, skeptics in the West view the pause as a tactical breather for Russia’s battered frontline units.
The Kremlin added it “assumes” that Ukraine will follow suit and halt its counter-operations. However, there has been no official word yet from President Volodymyr Zelensky’s camp.
Previous “truce” offers from Moscow have been dismissed by Kyiv as “hypocritical traps” designed to allow Russian forces to regroup and re-arm. During the 2023 Orthodox Christmas period, a similar 36-hour ceasefire was largely ignored on the ground, with shelling reported by both sides within hours of the “start” time.
The conflict has seen both nations—which share deep Orthodox Christian roots—clash over the role of the Church.
The Date: Orthodox Easter falls on April 12 this year, following the Julian calendar.
The Politics: Putin has frequently attempted to frame his “Special Military Operation” as a defense of traditional Christian values.
The Reality: Despite the talk of prayer and peace, the war remains at a bloody stalemate, with heavy fighting continuing in the Donbas region right up until today’s announcement.
The big question tonight: Will the guns actually fall silent, or is this just more Kremlin smoke and mirrors?
