Moscow, April 20 – Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine to mark the Easter weekend, ordering a halt in combat operations from 6 PM Saturday until midnight Sunday. The move, framed as a “humanitarian gesture,” is the most significant pause in hostilities in the nearly three-year-long conflict.
The announcement comes after months of pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been urging both Kyiv and Moscow to agree on a truce. However, efforts have stalled with no major diplomatic breakthrough, and the U.S. has warned of pulling out of mediation talks if no progress is made.
Putin stated in a televised briefing with Russian military leadership that troops must be prepared to respond to any provocations or violations during the ceasefire. He also expressed hope that Ukraine would reciprocate, though Kyiv has not committed to matching the truce.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded with skepticism, accusing Putin of using the ceasefire to “play with human lives.” Ukrainian officials have questioned the sincerity of the move, noting that Russian forces continued shelling, especially in eastern Ukraine, despite the ceasefire claim.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga emphasized that “words mean nothing without actions,” referencing Russia’s earlier rejection of a proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
Reports from the front lines in Kramatorsk indicated ongoing distrust among Ukrainian troops, with many regarding the truce as a strategic move rather than a step toward peace.
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