Russia-Ukraine War – Easter Ceasefire Announcement by President Vladimir Putin
In a surprising turn amidst the ongoing war in Eastern Europe, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary Easter ceasefire in Ukraine. The move, framed as a humanitarian gesture to mark the Orthodox Easter holiday, comes as the conflict continues to take a heavy toll on civilians and infrastructure across Ukraine.
The ceasefire, set to coincide with the Orthodox Easter weekend, is intended to allow for religious observance, safe passage for civilians, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to war-affected areas. According to Kremlin officials, the ceasefire is scheduled to begin at midnight on the eve of Easter and will last for 48 hours.
President Putin described the ceasefire as a “gesture of goodwill” in honor of one of the most sacred holidays in the Orthodox Christian calendar. “In the spirit of Easter, we call for peace, even if briefly, to allow families to mourn, pray, and receive aid,” he stated in a televised address. He also urged Ukrainian forces to observe the truce in return, emphasizing that Russia would hold fire provided there is no provocation from the opposing side.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions internationally. While some humanitarian organizations welcomed the move as an opportunity to evacuate civilians from contested regions and deliver urgently needed medical and food supplies, critics argue the ceasefire could be a strategic pause by Moscow to regroup militarily.
Ukrainian officials have responded cautiously. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office acknowledged the announcement but expressed skepticism, pointing to past ceasefire violations by Russian forces. Ukrainian military leaders emphasized that any temporary truce must be accompanied by concrete international oversight to ensure compliance.
The United Nations and Red Cross have called for both sides to honor the ceasefire fully, underscoring the dire humanitarian situation in heavily bombarded cities such as Mariupol, Kharkiv, and parts of the Donbas region. Orthodox Easter, which is celebrated by both Russians and Ukrainians, is seen by many as a symbolic time for reflection and reconciliation.
Military analysts suggest that while the ceasefire may provide a short respite for civilians, it is unlikely to result in any immediate breakthrough toward a long-term peace settlement. The war, now well into its second year, continues to drag on with significant losses on both sides and growing calls from the international community for a diplomatic resolution.
As the Easter ceasefire takes effect, the global spotlight will be on how both Russia and Ukraine choose to honor this temporary pause in hostilities. For millions caught in the crossfire, it offers a moment—however brief—of hope, relief, and a chance to breathe amid the chaos of war.
Source : Swifteradio.com
