Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary 30-hour ceasefire in Ukraine, dubbed an "Easter truce," set to last until 22:00 BST on Sunday (00:00 Moscow time). The move, described as a humanitarian gesture, comes amid ongoing conflict that began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Putin, in a meeting with Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov, ordered Russian forces to halt all military activities during the truce. However, he emphasized that troops should remain vigilant to counter any potential violations by Ukrainian forces.
"Based on humanitarian considerations, the Russian side announces an Easter truce. I order a stop to all military activities for this period," Putin said.
"If Russia is now suddenly ready to truly engage in a format of full and unconditional silence, Ukraine will act accordingly — mirroring Russia's actions," Zelensky wrote on X.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha expressed distrust, pointing to Russia's history of unfulfilled promises. "We know his words cannot be trusted, and we will look at actions, not words," Sybiha posted on X, noting the stark contrast between Putin's 30-hour truce and Ukraine's 30-day proposal.
The United States, which has been mediating talks, expressed frustration over the lack of progress. President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. might abandon mediation efforts if no breakthroughs occur soon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this, stating, "We need to determine very quickly now — within days — whether or not this is doable."
Russia's defense ministry said its forces would honor the truce if Ukraine reciprocates, but the history of broken ceasefires and ongoing violence—estimated to have killed or injured hundreds of thousands—casts doubt on its success.
As the Easter truce unfolds, the world watches closely to see if this pause can pave the way for meaningful peace talks or if it will become another fleeting gesture in a protracted conflict.
Putin, in a meeting with Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov, ordered Russian forces to halt all military activities during the truce. However, he emphasized that troops should remain vigilant to counter any potential violations by Ukrainian forces.
"Based on humanitarian considerations, the Russian side announces an Easter truce. I order a stop to all military activities for this period," Putin said.
Ukraine's Response: Cautious Optimism Mixed with Skepticism
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Kyiv would respect the truce but accused Russia of violating it, citing continued Russian drone activity and fighting in Russia's Kursk and Belgorod regions. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's proposal for a longer 30-day ceasefire, which he said remains open for Moscow's consideration."If Russia is now suddenly ready to truly engage in a format of full and unconditional silence, Ukraine will act accordingly — mirroring Russia's actions," Zelensky wrote on X.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha expressed distrust, pointing to Russia's history of unfulfilled promises. "We know his words cannot be trusted, and we will look at actions, not words," Sybiha posted on X, noting the stark contrast between Putin's 30-hour truce and Ukraine's 30-day proposal.
International Reactions and Context
The announcement follows a failed ceasefire attempt during Orthodox Christmas in January 2023, which collapsed due to mutual distrust. The UK Foreign Office called on Russia to commit to a full ceasefire, as proposed by Ukraine, rather than a brief pause. "Now is the moment for Putin to truly show he is serious about peace by ending his horrible invasion," a spokesperson said.The United States, which has been mediating talks, expressed frustration over the lack of progress. President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. might abandon mediation efforts if no breakthroughs occur soon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this, stating, "We need to determine very quickly now — within days — whether or not this is doable."
Russia's defense ministry said its forces would honor the truce if Ukraine reciprocates, but the history of broken ceasefires and ongoing violence—estimated to have killed or injured hundreds of thousands—casts doubt on its success.
As the Easter truce unfolds, the world watches closely to see if this pause can pave the way for meaningful peace talks or if it will become another fleeting gesture in a protracted conflict.
