Ukraine to observe Easter ceasefire but will respond to any Russian attacks – General Staff

They emphasized that Ukrainian forces will observe the ceasefire on a reciprocal basis. Accordingly, defenders must be ready to respond immediately to any provocations or offensive actions by the occupying forces.

“In the event of enemy units advancing to the front line, conducting engineering work or regrouping forces and assets, or showing signs of real preparation for assault operations and other actions that may indicate the enemy is using the ceasefire for aggressive purposes, Ukrainian troops have the full right to open fire to neutralize the threat. The same rules will apply at sea and in the air,” the statement said.

The General Staff added that Ukraine’s Defense Forces will also respond in kind to any Russian missile launches or strike UAV attacks on Ukrainian territory.

On April 11, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi had defined the course of action for Ukrainian units under a ceasefire by the Russian army.

The Ukrainian president also proposed extending the ceasefire beyond Easter.

“Information about the reciprocal nature of our actions and the possible extension of the ceasefire after Easter has also been conveyed to the Russian side,” Zelenskyy said.

On April 9, Vladimir Putin announced an “Easter ceasefire” in Ukraine from 4 p.m. on April 11 until the end of April 12.

Zelenskyy said in response that Ukraine is ready for reciprocal steps during the ceasefire and that Russia “has a chance not to return to strikes after Easter.”

On April 10, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would not extend the so-called Easter ceasefire.