President Putin Attends Orthodox Easter Service Following Temporary Ceasefire in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the Orthodox Easter celebrations at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour on Saturday night, just hours after announcing a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine.

Accompanied by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the Russian leader attended the midnight liturgy led by Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church and a vocal supporter of the Kremlin’s policies. The service is considered one of the most important religious events for Orthodox Christians worldwide.

Candlelight and Calls for Peace

Holding a red Easter candle, President Putin stood solemnly during the service, dressed in a dark suit with a red tie, participating in traditional rituals. As the Patriarch proclaimed “Christ is risen,” the president crossed himself multiple times — a symbolic gesture consistent with his past appearances at major religious celebrations.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, Ukrainian officials reported continued fighting along key fronts, dismissing Moscow’s offer as a symbolic move without substance on the ground.

Patriarch Urges Peace in “Historical Rus”

During his sermon, Patriarch Kirill called for the establishment of a lasting and just peace across the territories historically linked to the medieval Rus — a region that historically included areas of present-day Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

“May peace prevail across the lands of our shared heritage,” said Kirill, referencing the spiritual and cultural unity of the Eastern Slavic world.

Religion and Power Intersect

President Putin’s annual participation in Orthodox Easter rituals reflects the deepening relationship between the Russian state and the Orthodox Church. For the Russian leader, faith is closely tied to national identity, unity, and Russia’s role on the global stage.

This year’s Easter service comes at a tense time, with international scrutiny on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the Kremlin promotes the ceasefire as a gesture of goodwill during a holy period, Ukrainian officials and observers remain skeptical of Russia’s intentions.