Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary Easter truce in the ongoing war with Ukraine, the Kremlin said Saturday. The move, intended to pause fighting during the Orthodox Easter holiday, was quickly met with skepticism by Ukrainian officials.
In a video released by Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Putin stated, “Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 18:00 to 00:00 from Sunday to Monday, the Russian side declares an Easter truce.” He was joined in the announcement by Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff, and ordered a full halt to military activity during the designated time.
The war, which has stretched on for more than three years, has claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides. However, Ukraine’s response to the ceasefire announcement was far from welcoming.
Putin announces Easter truce with Ukraine pic.twitter.com/qIbgd3781k
— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) April 19, 2025
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted an update shortly after Putin’s declaration, stating that air raid sirens were sounding across Ukraine, even as the Russian president spoke of peace. “At 17:15, Russian attack drones were detected in our skies,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “Shahed drones in our skies reveal Putin’s true attitude toward Easter and toward human