Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Saturday that Ukraine would observe a surprise Easter ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, set to last until midnight on Sunday. Despite the gesture, air-raid sirens continued to wail across Kyiv, highlighting the ongoing volatility of the three-year conflict.
The 30-hour pause was poised to be the most significant lull in fighting since the war’s escalation, offering a rare window of potential respite. However, just hours into the truce’s supposed start, Zelensky accused Russia of violating the agreement, citing continued artillery fire and assaults along the front lines. Air-raid sirens sounded again in Kyiv and other regions, underscoring the fragile nature of the ceasefire.
On Saturday, Russia and Ukraine also exchanged over 240 prisoners, each side claiming to have released captured fighters. The prisoner swap marked a notable moment amid the tense efforts to de-escalate hostilities.
Putin justified the truce, announced during a televised meeting with his chief of the general staff Valery Gerasimov, on “humanitarian reasons.” He expressed expectation that Ukraine would also observe the pause but warned Russian troops to remain prepared for possible breaches or provocations by Ukrainian forces.
Zelensky responded on social media, stating Ukraine would mirror Russia’s actions if Moscow demonstrated genuine commitment. He proposed extending the ceasefire beyond Sunday, suggesting a 30-day period to “give peace a chance,” though he acknowledged that Putin had previously rejected a similar proposal.
Despite the declarations, fighting persisted. Zelensky’s military command reported ongoing Russian artillery and drone activity on Saturday evening, and soldiers in Kramatorsk—near the front lines—greeted the truce with skepticism. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would act in good faith if Russia truly committed to a full and unconditional ceasefire, but doubts remain about the durability of the pause.
As the conflict continues, the world watches closely, hopeful yet cautious about whether this Easter truce can lead to meaningful de-escalation or if hostilities will resume once the clock runs out.
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