On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for the Orthodox Easter weekend. The ceasefire, set to last from 18:00 Moscow time on Saturday until 00:00 on Monday, is aimed at showing humanitarian concern, according to the Kremlin. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly rejected the move, calling it a deceptive tactic. Meanwhile, both nations marked a rare moment of cooperation with a large-scale prisoner swap.
Temporary Ceasefire Announced by Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine during a military meeting on Saturday. The truce, scheduled to last from 18:00 on Saturday to 00:00 Monday Moscow time, coincides with the Orthodox Easter holiday. The Kremlin stated the ceasefire was meant to address humanitarian concerns during the sacred occasion. Putin also instructed Russian General Valery Gerasimov to ensure Ukrainian forces adhere to the pause. At the same time, Putin cautioned Russian troops to be on alert for any violations or provocations during the ceasefire period.
Zelenskyy Rejects Ceasefire, Calls It Deceptive
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly dismissed the Russian ceasefire announcement. In a statement, Zelenskyy accused Putin of using religion to mask ongoing military operations. The Ukrainian leader highlighted the fact that air raid alerts continued across Ukraine during the supposed truce. Zelenskyy also pointed out that Shahed drones continued to fly, suggesting Russia’s insincerity in its humanitarian claim. He urged Ukrainians to remain vigilant and stay on high alert despite the declared ceasefire, sharing his concerns on platform X.
Prisoner Swap Brings Rare Moment of Relief
In a rare breakthrough, both Ukraine and Russia exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war on Saturday. Russia returned 277 Ukrainian soldiers, while Ukraine sent back 246 Russian troops. According to Russian officials, 15 injured soldiers were also returned, needing immediate medical attention. In a humanitarian gesture, Ukraine transferred 31 wounded prisoners back to Russia. Both nations expressed their gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which facilitated the exchange. Zelenskyy welcomed the return of Ukrainian soldiers, calling it a rare moment of relief for the nation.
Kyiv Highlights Past Ceasefire Rejection
Ukraine took the opportunity to remind the international community of its previous peace offers. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that Ukraine had agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire back in March. However, he claimed that the Kremlin rejected the proposal without any conditions, highlighting a stark contrast with Russia’s selective and temporary truce this time. Sybiha emphasized the difference in approach between Kyiv and Moscow, signaling that Ukraine’s position remained focused on achieving lasting peace rather than temporary pauses.
Trump Stresses Progress in Peace Talks
Former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, stating that peace talks between Ukraine and Russia had gained momentum. Trump affirmed that his administration had not been manipulated by either side in recent negotiations. He expressed confidence that a breakthrough to end the war, now in its fourth year, was possible. Trump’s comments come as diplomatic efforts intensify in the hope of finding a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict.
As the Easter ceasefire comes into effect, both sides continue to engage in diplomatic and military maneuvers. While Putin’s temporary truce has been rejected by Zelenskyy, the recent prisoner swap provides a glimmer of hope for future cooperation. The international community watches closely as tensions between Ukraine and Russia persist, with hopes for a peaceful resolution growing ever more urgent.
