Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine to mark Orthodox Easter, directing Russian forces to halt combat operations beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday through the end of Sunday.

The Kremlin announced the 32-hour pause, stating the decision was made “in connection with the approaching holiday of Orthodox Easter” and expressing the expectation that Ukraine would follow suit. The order was transmitted through Russia’s military command structure, with Defense Minister Andrei Belousov instructing Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov to suspend military action across all фронts during the designated period.

Despite the pause, Russian officials emphasized that troops would remain on alert, prepared to respond to any perceived provocations or hostile actions during the ceasefire window.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded early Friday, indicating that Kyiv would reciprocate the move. In a statement posted to Telegram, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had previously proposed an Easter ceasefire and would act accordingly, reiterating calls for a meaningful step toward peace.

Zelenskyy added that civilians should be able to observe the religious holiday without the threat of violence, while also suggesting that Russia has an opportunity to extend the pause beyond Easter if it chooses not to resume attacks.

The announcement comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine, which began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, enters its fifth year. Past attempts at temporary ceasefires tied to religious holidays have frequently broken down, with both sides accusing each other of violations.