Russia Declares Orthodox Easter Truce, Ukraine Expresses Caution

Global - Ekhbary News Agency

Russia has unilaterally declared a ceasefire for Orthodox Easter, with President Vladimir Putin ordering his forces to cease fire "in all directions" from 16:00 local time on Saturday through Easter Sunday. This declaration follows repeated, previously ignored, calls for a truce from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. While Moscow frames this as a humanitarian gesture, Kyiv views it with deep skepticism, rooted in past instances where similar pauses in fighting were quickly followed by renewed aggression.

Ukrainian officials, including President Zelensky, have indicated a readiness for "symmetrical steps" but underscore the need for genuine movement towards peace, not just a temporary halt. The memory of previous "energy truces" and unilateral ceasefires that saw hundreds of violations remains fresh. The ongoing conflict, marked by relentless drone attacks and missile strikes, makes any respite welcome. However, Ukraine's primary demand remains a full and stable ceasefire as a precursor to serious peace negotiations, a stance Moscow has consistently sidestepped. The international community watches cautiously, hoping this gesture might pave the way for de-escalation, even as historical precedents suggest a difficult path ahead.

Ekhbary News Agency