Easter Ceasefire Still on Table Despite Russia’s 'Unreadiness,' Zelensky Says

Ukraine is holding firm on its Easter ceasefire proposal despite Russia’s “unreadiness,” according to President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters in a closed-door meeting, Zelensky revealed that he had sent the ceasefire proposal to Washington for relay to Moscow, subtly confirming earlier hints from the Kremlin that Kyiv and Moscow are not in direct communication, but rather are conveying messages through the United States.

“We’ve all seen their response in the media: They seem not ready for this. I don’t know how serious it is. We’ve conveyed our request to the American side,” Zelensky said. He expressed uncertainty about whether the U.S. had managed to communicate with Russian officials yet, stating, “We’ll see. Our proposal for a ceasefire over Easter remains.”

On April 1, Zelensky condemned Russia’s overnight drone attacks on Ukraine, which involved the use of 339 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). He characterized these assaults as Moscow’s “response to diplomatic efforts.” Emergency crews were deployed to combat fires in Lutsk, the administrative center of western Ukraine’s Volyn region, following the drone strikes. Other regions, including Dnipro, Zhytomyr, Poltava, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Khmelnytsky, also faced attacks overnight.

“This overnight attack is actually Russia’s response to diplomatic efforts. We proposed a ceasefire for Easter – in response we get Shaheds,” Zelensky remarked at the time, referring to the Iranian-made drones used in the assaults. He further noted that Ukraine had also suggested a ceasefire specifically targeting energy infrastructure, but Russia has persistently ignored these proposals, continuing to strike substations and transformers.

In a related context, Zelensky warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could exacerbate Ukraine's weapon shortages. He indicated that Ukraine is working to boost domestic production and diversify its supply chains as the war in the Middle East drags on. “Ukraine is working with partners to expand joint capabilities to protect lives, while Russia drags out the war in Europe and openly invests in supporting the Iranian regime in fomenting conflict in the Middle East and the Gulf,” he stated.

During his remarks, Zelensky reiterated the importance of a ceasefire, proposing a halt to all attacks on energy infrastructure. While he expressed a preference for a long-term truce, he acknowledged that short-term compromises could be acceptable if Ukraine’s “dignity and sovereignty” are respected. “We are ready for a ceasefire for the Easter holidays. Normal people who respect life talk about ending the war, not just a few days of peace,” he declared.

He emphasized, “We are open to a complete ceasefire – on missiles, drones, food, and energy – across all sectors. If Russia is ready, we are ready.” Most of Ukraine will observe Orthodox Easter on April 12, adding urgency to the ceasefire proposal.

Historically, Kyiv and Moscow have proposed multiple ceasefires throughout four years of conflict, yet none have led to a meaningful truce. In March 2022, negotiations in Istanbul collapsed following the emergence of the Bucha atrocities. The United Nations suggested an Easter ceasefire that same year, but it was rejected by Russia.

In January 2023, Moscow announced a 36-hour Orthodox Christmas truce, which was dismissed by Kyiv as “hypocrisy.” Throughout 2024, rumors of ceasefires circulated, but no concrete agreements were reached. In March 2025, a 30-day energy truce was announced following U.S. President Donald Trump’s re-election, but differing interpretations hindered its implementation.

An Easter ceasefire that year was partially observed, while a unilateral Victory Day truce declared by Moscow had little impact on the fighting, according to accounts from the Ukrainian front lines. Europe pressured Russia with a ceasefire ultimatum that month, resulting in prisoner exchanges but still no lasting ceasefire.

Later in 2025, the Trump administration threatened Moscow with sanctions for failing to negotiate a ceasefire. In December 2025, Russia rejected Germany’s Christmas truce proposal, insisting it would continue pursuing its objectives in Ukraine.

Julia is a Deputy Head of News and correspondent for Kyiv Post, with previous experience as a parliamentary editor, journalist, and news editor. She specializes in covering the work of the Ukrainian parliament, government, and law enforcement agencies.

Kateryna investigates today’s most important topics, from geopolitical challenges and defense strategies to stories that change the course of events. She explores the secrets of Ukraine’s intelligence services and reveals the hidden side of global events, driven by a passion for uncovering secrets that change history. Born and raised in Kyiv, she continues to report from her home country.