Putin Declares Brief “Easter Truce” Amid Skepticism from Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, ordering his forces to “stop all military activity” during a 30-hour “Easter truce.”
The truce, which began Saturday and is set to end at 22:00 BST on Sunday (00:00 Moscow time), was declared “based on humanitarian considerations” during a meeting with his chief of general staff, Valery Gerasimov.
Putin stated that troops must be ready to respond to “any possible violations” or provocations.
Ukraine, however, remains skeptical. President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the announcement, accusing Putin of trying to “play with human lives.” He noted that Russian drones were observed over Ukrainian territory shortly before the ceasefire began, which he claimed revealed Putin’s “true attitude toward Easter and toward human life.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha expressed doubt about Russia’s intentions, referencing Ukraine’s agreement to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire.
He remarked on social media, “Putin has now made statements about his alleged readiness for a cease-fire. 30 hours instead of 30 days.”
Citing a pattern of inconsistency, he added, “We know his words cannot be trusted and we will look at actions, not words.”
The Russian defence ministry emphasized that its troops would observe the ceasefire only if it was “mutually respected” by Ukraine.
A similar attempt at a truce during Orthodox Christmas in January 2023 failed due to a lack of mutual agreement between the two sides.
