Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, stated: "I don't think it will take long." He acknowledged that both sides have so far taken "maximalist" positions in the negotiations but expressed confidence that they would come closer in search of a compromise. Delegations from Ukraine, the United States, and Russia previously held two rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24 and February 4-5, followed by another round in Geneva on February 17-18. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, subsequent meetings were postponed due to a shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities, focused on the conflict in the Middle East. Pope Leo XIV: "God does not bless any conflict". Ceasefire for Orthodox Easter. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire with Ukraine for Orthodox Easter. "By decision of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire has been declared for the upcoming Orthodox Easter holiday, from 16:00 on April 11 until the end of the day on April 12, 2026," the Kremlin said in a statement. Earlier in the week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he had transmitted a ceasefire proposal for the holidays through the United States, whose government has led the talks to end the conflict, which has lasted for four years. On Friday, the news agency Ukrinform reported that a high-level Ukrainian negotiator, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are advancing towards a possible agreement. "Everyone understands that the war must end. That is why the negotiations are taking place."
