As the war in Ukraine grinds into yet another crucial phase, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprising move by announcing a temporary ceasefire over the Easter weekend. However, the gesture was immediately met with deep skepticism from Ukrainian officials, who reported continued attacks by Russian forces even after the truce was declared.
A Symbolic Ceasefire or Strategic Move?
On Saturday, Putin issued a public statement declaring a unilateral Easter ceasefire. According to his announcement, the suspension of hostilities would take place from 6 p.m. Moscow time on Saturday (11 a.m. Eastern Time) and would last until midnight on Monday (5 p.m. ET on Sunday).
Putin framed the ceasefire as a humanitarian gesture in observance of the Orthodox Easter, which is celebrated by many in both Russia and Ukraine. He added that this pause in fighting would provide an opportunity to evaluate Ukraine’s willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations.
“We are ceasing all hostilities during this period and hope that the Ukrainian side will mirror our example,” Putin said. “This truce will show how sincere Kyiv is about reaching a real and lasting ceasefire.”
Ukraine’s Immediate Reaction: Doubt and Distrust
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wasted no time in responding to Putin’s announcement. In a national address on Saturday evening, Zelensky expressed doubt over Russia’s intentions and said that attacks had not stopped despite the supposed truce.
“According to reports from the commander-in-chief, Russian assault operations are continuing in several areas along the front line. Artillery fire from Russian positions has also not ceased,” Zelensky stated.
Ukrainian military officials corroborated his remarks, describing ongoing clashes in eastern and southern regions of the country. In some sectors, they claimed, Russian forces had intensified their offensive, using the guise of a truce as a tactical advantage.
A Broader Peace Proposal Still in Limbo
Kyiv’s skepticism is rooted in more than just battlefield reports. Zelensky noted that Russia has not responded positively to a more comprehensive US-led initiative that proposed a 30-day ceasefire, designed to create space for diplomatic progress and humanitarian relief.
“If Russia is suddenly ready to genuinely embrace a format of complete and unconditional silence, Ukraine will mirror that,” Zelensky said. “Silence will be met with silence. But if attacks continue, we will respond accordingly in defense.”
The Ukrainian leader stressed that a three-day ceasefire, particularly one that is not honored in practice, falls short of meaningful progress. He once again called on Moscow to accept the international proposal for a full month-long truce, especially during a time of spiritual reflection for millions.
International Response: Cautious Optimism Meets Harsh Reality
Reactions from the international community have been mixed. Some diplomats welcomed the announcement as a potential opening for renewed talks, while others expressed concern that it might simply be a tactical maneuver by Russia to regroup its forces.
A senior European Union diplomat, speaking anonymously, said: “Ceasefires around religious holidays have historic precedent, but we remain cautious. There needs to be evidence on the ground that hostilities are actually stopping.”
US officials, meanwhile, reiterated their support for Ukraine and emphasized the importance of a verified and sustained pause in fighting. “A three-day ceasefire cannot be used to mask continued aggression,” a spokesperson from the US State Department said. “We urge Russia to engage seriously with the international community and Ukraine on a broader cessation of hostilities.”
Humanitarian Implications and Ground-Level Challenges
For civilians caught in the crossfire, the announcement had sparked a brief flicker of hope. Humanitarian organizations were prepared to use the truce window to deliver much-needed aid to hard-hit regions such as Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia.
However, the continued fighting in many zones has complicated those plans. The Ukrainian Red Cross reported that multiple aid convoys had to be delayed or rerouted due to ongoing shelling, especially near contested areas.
“We are always hopeful for these pauses, but we also know from experience that they are often fragile,” said a spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross. “We urge both sides to respect humanitarian corridors and allow safe access for medical and food supplies.”
Conclusion: The War Grinds On
As Orthodox Easter passed with little change on the ground, both sides remained locked in a deadly and complex conflict. Putin’s ceasefire announcement may have been aimed at showcasing Russia’s willingness to negotiate, but without concrete action and reciprocal trust, it has done little to move the needle toward peace.
For Ukraine, the path forward remains one of cautious defense, strategic resilience, and a continued push for international support. As Zelensky made clear in his address, Ukraine is not opposed to peace—but it will not mistake a brief pause for genuine change.
