Putin declares Easter ceasefire amidst ongoing tensions in Ukraine

On April 19, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, coinciding with the Easter holiday. This ceasefire is set to take effect from 6 p.m. Moscow time on Saturday until midnight on April 21. Putin expressed his hope that Ukraine would reciprocate this gesture, aiming for a reduction in hostilities during this period. The Kremlin framed the ceasefire as a move guided by humanitarian considerations, although it remains unclear whether this initiative will lead to genuine negotiations for a long-lasting peace. In parallel, reports indicate that Russian military drones were still conducting strikes over Ukrainian territory even as the ceasefire was announced. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine criticized Putin's announcement as another attempt to manipulate the situation and highlighted the ongoing air alerts in Ukraine, reinforcing suspicions regarding Russia’s commitment to peace. Ukraine currently faces continued drone attacks and military operations despite the ceasefire declaration, raising questions about the sincerity of Russia's approach to resolving the conflict. The backdrop to this ceasefire includes a series of failed peace negotiations, exacerbated by recent statements from U.S. officials indicating that the United States may withdraw from facilitating peace talks if no substantial progress is observed. Given the complexities of the situation, experts remain skeptical about whether this ceasefire will provide any meaningful pathway to peace, especially considering the ongoing military operations. As of now, the announcement of the ceasefire follows a history of repeated ceasefires that have been largely ignored on the battlefield. The outcome of the current ceasefire may depend significantly on Ukraine’s response and actions during this period, which could reflect the country’s readiness to engage in further negotiations.