Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country would respect a surprise Easter truce declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, but accused Russia of breaking the ceasefire within hours of its commencement, as air-raid sirens wailed across Kyiv and fighting persisted on the frontlines.
The temporary truce, effective from 6:00 p.m. Saturday to midnight Sunday (local time), was hailed as potentially the most significant pause in hostilities during the nearly three-year-long war. However, Ukrainian officials and military reports suggest that Russian artillery fire and drone activity did not cease, casting doubt on the Kremlin’s sincerity.
Zelenskyy’s Response: “Give Peace a Chance”
President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would mirror Russia’s ceasefire commitment, hoping for a genuine opportunity to calm the conflict. He proposed a 30-day extension of the truce, stating:
“If a complete ceasefire truly takes hold, Ukraine proposes extending it beyond Easter. Thirty days could give peace a chance.”
But the Ukrainian military reported continued assaults and drone activity in frontline areas, especially in eastern Ukraine, undermining hopes for an actual pause.
Putin’s Declaration and U.S. Involvement
President Putin cited “humanitarian reasons” for the ceasefire during a televised meeting with military officials. The move followed months of diplomatic efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had recently warned of withdrawing from peace talks unless a truce was reached.
Putin claimed the truce would hold unless “provocations” were initiated by Ukraine, while also ordering Russian forces to remain alert and ready.
Prisoner Exchange Amid Escalation
In a rare moment of cooperation, Russia and Ukraine exchanged more than 240 prisoners each on Saturday. Both sides called the exchange significant, though it was overshadowed by renewed violence and broken truce expectations.
Scepticism on the Ground
Soldiers near the eastern frontline city of Kramatorsk reacted with doubt to the truce declaration, citing past experiences where similar announcements were short-lived or ignored. Local residents, too, expressed concern that the ceasefire was more symbolic than real.
Outlook: Fragile Hopes for Peace
As of Saturday night, Ukrainian military officials confirmed that shelling and drone activity had continued, although with reduced intensity in some sectors. Zelenskyy reiterated his call for a real and verifiable cessation of hostilities, insisting Ukraine would match any genuine effort from Moscow.
“If Russia is now suddenly ready to truly engage in a format of full and unconditional silence, Ukraine will act accordingly,” Zelenskyy posted online.
Whether this Easter ceasefire evolves into a longer peace initiative remains uncertain, as trust between the two sides remains deeply frayed.
