On April 19, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral 30-hour “Easter truce” in Ukraine, set to commence at 6:00 p.m. Moscow time and conclude at midnight on April 20. Framed as a humanitarian gesture, the Kremlin expressed hope that Ukraine would reciprocate the ceasefire. Reuters+1Latest news & breaking headlines+1The Guardian
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials swiftly dismissed the truce as insincere, citing continued Russian military actions. Reports indicated that within hours of the ceasefire’s commencement, Russian forces launched artillery strikes, drone attacks, and ground assaults, particularly in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Air raid sirens were also reported in Kyiv shortly after the truce began. Business Insider+4Latest news & breaking headlines+4AP News+4
Zelenskyy criticized the truce as a public relations maneuver, stating that it was an attempt by Russia to create a deceptive impression of peace while continuing hostilities. He emphasized that Ukraine would only honor a ceasefire if Russia ceased all hostilities and proposed extending the truce to 30 days, a suggestion that Moscow did not address. POLITICO+2AP News+2Latest news & breaking headlines+2Business Insider+2The Guardian+2AP News+2
The Ukrainian military reported 59 shelling incidents and multiple drone strikes during the truce period. In response, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed adherence to the ceasefire and accused Ukraine of violating it through attacks in eastern Donetsk and drone strikes on Russian regions, including Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod. Business Insider+3AP News+3Reuters+3Business Insider
International reactions were cautious. The United States, under President Donald Trump, expressed skepticism about Russia’s intentions, with Trump warning of withdrawing from peace negotiations if significant progress was not made. The European Union and the United Kingdom echoed calls for a genuine and lasting ceasefire, warning against being misled by temporary or symbolic measures. ReutersLatest news & breaking headlines+1Reuters+1
This pattern of announcing ceasefires during religious holidays, only to violate them, has been observed in previous instances, such as the 2023 Christmas truce, which was also ignored by Russian forces. Critics suggest that such moves are strategic, aiming to regroup forces or influence international mediators.Latest news & breaking headlines
In summary, while the “Easter truce” was presented by Russia as a humanitarian effort, continued military actions undermined its credibility. The ongoing conflict and mutual distrust between the parties highlight the challenges in achieving a meaningful and lasting ceasefire.
