Moscow/Kyiv, April 19, 2025 — In a symbolic move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a 30-hour Easter truce in the ongoing war with Ukraine. Set to begin at 6 PM Moscow time on Saturday and end at midnight on Sunday, the unilateral ceasefire was framed as a gesture of respect for Orthodox Easter. However, the announcement has sparked skepticism amid continued hostilities on the ground.
The Kremlin claims the temporary pause is a humanitarian measure, allowing space for religious observances. Yet, even as the ceasefire was declared, Ukrainian regions like Kharkiv, Sumy, and Odesa reported new drone attacks and casualties. Russia has instructed its forces to remain alert during the truce, suggesting it anticipates breaches.
Ukraine has not officially responded to the proposal. Past truces declared by Moscow—like the Orthodox Christmas ceasefire in 2023—were largely dismissed by Kyiv as tactical distractions rather than genuine steps toward peace.
The ceasefire comes at a time when international voices, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are hinting at a renewed push for negotiations. Still, the ground reality in Ukraine shows little sign of a true pause.
Whether the Easter truce holds or fizzles out like earlier ones remains to be seen. For now, it appears more symbolic than substantive.
