Putin announces Easter ceasefire, Zelensky reacts with scepticism

Editor's note: This is a developing story.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire on the Easter weekend, ordering a halt to all military action from 6 p.m. Moscow time on April 19 until midnight on April 21.

Putin announced the order during a meeting with the Russian Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, on April 19.

Putin framed the decision as being guided by humanitarian concerns. “I order the suspension of all combat operations during this period,” he declared. “We assume that the Ukrainian side will follow our example,” Putin added.

The suggested Easter ceasefire follows previous Russian attacks on Ukraine during major Orthodox holidays, including a deadly strike on Sumy on Palm Sunday that killed 35 people, and an attack on Kharkiv during Good Friday that killed one person and injured 120.

The effectiveness of the ceasefire will "test Ukraine's sincerity in pursuing peace talks," according to Putin, who said that the real measure of Kyiv's intentions will be revealed by its actions over the Easter period.

Putin's announcement comes after Washington signaled that it was ready to cease its mediation efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine if one of the sides "makes it difficult."

Russia has consistently rejected a U.S.-proposed complete 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine supported. Moscow rejected the ceasefire unless it included concessions that would undermine Kyiv’s ability to defend itself, including a full halt to foreign military aid.

On March 25, Moscow agreed to a partial truce, which included a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a 30-day pause in strikes on energy infrastructure. Since then, Ukraine has reported more than 30 violations of the partial ceasefire by Russian forces. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on civilians in Ukrainian cities have intensified.

Putin accused Ukraine of violating the ceasefire on energy infrastructure over 100 times, however, hasn't provided any evidence. Putin said he expects Kyiv to follow the Easter ceasefire but added that Russia should be ready to respond in case of violations.

Russia has repeatedly falsely accused Ukraine of various attacks and provocations since the beginning of its full-scale invasion in 2022, often presenting them as a pre-text for escalation.