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The Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, announced this Saturday a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine until the end of this Sunday, citing alleged "humanitarian reasons."
According to the Kremlin, the ceasefire would last from 6:00 PM on Saturday (Moscow time) until midnight on Sunday.
"Based on humanitarian considerations... the Russian side announces a Christmas truce. I ordered the cessation of all military activities during this period," Putin said to Valery Gerasimov, the Chief of the General Staff of Russia, in a televised meeting on Saturday, according to Reuters.
There are no indications that Putin's Easter truce will lead to negotiations for a longer peace period.
"We assume that Ukraine will follow our example. At the same time, our troops must be prepared to repel potential violations of the truce and provocations from the enemy, any aggressive actions," added Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the proposal as "a new attempt by Putin to play with human lives." Minutes before the ceasefire began, Ukrainian planes were repelling Russian air attacks, the Ukrainian leader stated.
"The air defense and the Ukrainian aviation have already begun working to protect us. The Shahed drones in our skies reveal Putin's true attitude towards Easter and towards human life," he wrote on X.
Last week, a Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy left at least 34 dead and more than 100 injured. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, that Sunday's attack was one of the deadliest the country has faced this year.
"A terrible Russian attack with ballistic missiles in Sumy. Enemy missiles hit an ordinary street in the city, an ordinary life: houses, educational institutions, cars on the street... And this on a day when people go to church: Palm Sunday, the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem," the leader wrote on his X account, alongside devastating images that reveal the extent of the tragedy.
Days earlier, Vladimir Putin had met with the U.S. special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in St. Petersburg for four hours of closed-door talks. The meeting took place after President Donald Trump urged Witkoff to "set in motion" a ceasefire to end the war.
Neither Moscow nor Witkoff, who later traveled to Oman to hold talks with Iran, revealed any details about the meeting. Zelenski has repeatedly insisted that his country must be involved in any discussions about its future.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Easter Truce in Ukraine and Tensions with Russia
What does the Easter truce announced by Putin consist of?
The Easter truce is a temporary ceasefire announced by Vladimir Putin in Ukraine, which extends from 6:00 PM on Saturday until midnight on Sunday. Putin justified the measure for humanitarian reasons, although it is unclear whether this will pave the way for a more lasting peace.
What is Ukraine's stance on this temporary truce?
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, believes that the Easter truce is an attempt by Putin to play with human lives. Zelensky has expressed distrust towards Russian intentions due to previous attacks during past truces and has indicated that Ukrainian air defense and aviation remain active to protect the country.
What are the historical attempts at a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine?
Previously, Ukraine accepted a proposal from the United States for a 30-day ceasefire, which included operations on land, at sea, and in the air. However, Russia did not fulfill its commitments, continuing to attack key infrastructure in Ukraine, leading to distrust regarding the ceasefire attempts proposed by Moscow.
How has the United States influenced the peace negotiations in Ukraine?
The United States has played an active role in the negotiations, proposing and supporting temporary ceasefires such as the 30-day one accepted by Ukraine. President Donald Trump has held conversations with Putin, seeking a broader and more lasting ceasefire, though the effectiveness of these efforts has been questioned due to Russia's failure to comply.
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