President Vladimir Putin orders a short ceasefire for Easter in Ukraine to mark the Orthodox Easter holiday. Russian troops were told to stop all fighting from 6 p.m. Saturday until midnight Sunday. The Kremlin said the pause shows respect for religious traditions and human life. But Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the move, calling it a trick to cover up ongoing attacks. The temporary truce came just as both countries completed the largest prisoner exchange since the war began.
Russia Declares 30-Hour Ceasefire for Easter
On Friday, President Vladimir Putin met with Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov and gave the order for a 30-hour ceasefire. Russian forces were told to hold their fire and observe silence during Orthodox Easter celebrations.
The Kremlin said the decision reflected “spiritual values” and a desire to show “humanity and mercy” during a major religious event.
“The President directed all units to maintain combat readiness but refrain from offensive action,” a Kremlin spokesperson stated. “Troops must be prepared to respond if Ukrainian forces violate the ceasefire.”
Despite the peaceful message, Ukrainian officials remained deeply skeptical.
Zelenskyy: Russia Using Faith to Mask Aggression
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the ceasefire announcement, calling it a propaganda move. He said it was meant to distract the world from Russia’s continuing attacks.
In a social media post, Zelenskyy wrote that air raid sirens still sounded across Ukraine, and Iranian-made Shahed drones flew overhead during the ceasefire hours.
“They say ceasefire, but our skies still roar with threats,” Zelenskyy said. “This is not peace. It is a trick.”
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also spoke out. He said Ukraine had proposed a broader 30-day ceasefire in March, which Russia refused.
“This 30-hour truce is meaningless when our call for a longer peace was ignored,” Sybiha said. “It’s just another media play by the Kremlin.”
Largest Prisoner Swap Since War Began
As the ceasefire was announced, Russia and Ukraine completed a major prisoner exchange. It was the largest swap since Russia began its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Russia said Ukraine handed over 246 Russian soldiers. Moscow returned 277 Ukrainian prisoners, including 31 who were wounded. Russia also received 15 injured troops needing emergency care.
President Zelenskyy welcomed the return of Ukrainian soldiers and thanked all involved in making the swap happen.
“They are home. They are safe. That is what matters most,” he said in a video message.
Both sides thanked the United Arab Emirates for helping to arrange the exchange. The UAE has quietly played a role in multiple humanitarian efforts during the conflict.
Ceasefire Announced as Peace Talks Face Collapse
Putin’s ceasefire order came just a day after former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the ongoing conflict. Trump said talks between Ukraine and Russia were close to breaking down but had not fully failed.
Speaking at a press event, Trump said both sides were still listening to U.S. advice, and neither had tried to twist Washington’s role as a possible mediator.
“It’s a hard road, but we are not giving up,” Trump said. “Both leaders know the cost of war. We want peace, and we’re pushing for it.”
Trump also repeated his earlier calls for a diplomatic end to the war. While no peace deal has been announced, sources suggest that some behind-the-scenes dialogue continues.
Ongoing Attacks Undermine Ceasefire Claims
Even as the ceasefire was supposed to be in effect, Ukraine reported continued strikes in several regions. Officials said drone attacks hit infrastructure sites in Dnipro and Kharkiv. There were also reports of shelling near the frontlines in Donetsk.
These reports have further raised doubts about the sincerity of Russia’s truce. Ukraine says Moscow uses such pauses to regroup and mislead the world.
In turn, Russia accused Ukraine of violating the terms of the Easter truce. Kremlin-aligned media outlets claimed that Ukrainian forces shelled villages near the border during the ceasefire period.
Neither side’s claims could be independently verified due to limited access in war zones.
International Response and Ongoing Efforts
Several global leaders have expressed hope that any pause in fighting could open a door to broader peace. The United Nations called for both parties to consider long-term ceasefires that could ease the suffering of civilians.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations continued to work on the ground, delivering aid and helping war victims. Easter services were held in bomb shelters and damaged churches, with priests calling for unity and healing.
“War has no place in the season of resurrection,” said one priest during a service in Lviv. “We pray for all the dead, and for the living to choose peace.”
While President Putin’s Easter ceasefire offered a brief glimmer of hope, ongoing attacks and mistrust on both sides show how fragile the situation remains. Ukraine sees the truce as a hollow gesture, especially after months of missed chances for real peace. As prisoner swaps and international talks continue, the world watches closely. For now, Easter brings prayers—but not yet peace—to Ukraine.