Russia, Ukraine observe temporary truce for Orthodox Easter

A temporary truce between Russia and Ukraine entered into force on April 11, with Kyiv warning it would respond "immediately" if Russia violated it.

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A Ukrainian former prisoner of war speaking on the phone after a prisoner exchange at an undisclosed location. Despite tensions over the temporary truce, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 175 prisoners of war each on April 11, according to officials.

(PHOTO: AFP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the ceasefire on April 9 to coincide with Orthodox Easter, more than a week after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky first made the proposal.

Both sides have agreed to observe it.

The ceasefire is due to last for 32 hours, from 4pm on April 11 until the end of the day on April 12, according to the Kremlin.

"Ukraine will adhere to the ceasefire and respond strictly in kind. The absence of Russian strikes in the air, on land, and at sea will mean no response from our side," Mr Zelensky said in a post on X.

The Ukrainian army said it was ready to "immediately" respond if Russia violated it.

Hours before the truce was due to start, Russia launched at least 160 drones at Ukraine, killing four people in the country's east and south and wounding dozens of others, the Ukrainian authorities said.