Moscow, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary “Easter truce” in Ukraine, ordering a halt to all military activities until the end of Sunday. The 30-hour ceasefire, set to last until 22:00 BST on Sunday, is conditional upon a commitment from Ukrainian forces to do the same, with Russian troops remaining prepared to respond to any violations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed willingness to comply with the truce, though he remains skeptical of Russia’s intentions. Zelensky emphasized the need for Russia to demonstrate genuine commitment to peace, echoing previous calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
While this is not the first attempt at a temporary ceasefire, previous efforts have failed to bring a lasting resolution to the conflict. The United States has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to end the war, with mixed success in negotiations with Moscow.
The conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has resulted in countless casualties and widespread devastation. Both sides have faced challenges in reaching a lasting agreement, despite international pressure for a ceasefire.
As Putin’s announcement brings hope for a brief respite in fighting, the international community awaits further developments in the ongoing negotiation process. The stakes remain high, with the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the region.