The Armed Forces of Ukraine are prepared to respond in kind in the event of possible Easter shelling, according to the General Staff
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has announced that the Ukrainian Defense Forces will respond in kind to any violations of the ceasefire by Russia.
This was announced by Viktor Trigubov, spokesperson for the Joint Forces Operation.
The decision was made at the president’s instruction and applies to operations on land, in the air, and at sea during the Easter holiday period.
The statement emphasizes that the Ukrainian military is taking into account previous violations of the agreements by the Russian side and therefore remains on full combat alert.
In the event of confirmed enemy activity—specifically the deployment of units to the front line, engineering work, regrouping, or preparations for assaults—Ukrainian units have the right to open fire to engage the enemy.
It is separately emphasized that in the event of missile or drone strikes on Ukrainian territory, a tit-for-tat response will be applied.
Thus, according to the Ukrainian side’s plan, the ceasefire can only remain in effect if Russia fully complies with it.
As a reminder, Ukraine has proposed extending the ceasefire beyond Easter.
For millions of Ukrainians, April 12, 2026, is not just a date on the calendar. It is the Resurrection of Christ, or Easter: a holiday that, in Christian tradition, symbolizes the ultimate triumph of life over death and light over darkness. In peacetime, this day is filled with the sounds of church bells, the aroma of freshly baked Easter bread, and the warmth of family gatherings. Even those who do not consider themselves deeply religious usually view Easter as an oasis of calm, an opportunity to take a breath, gather with loved ones around a single table, share traditional dishes, and reflect on simple yet vital human values.
