Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a brief Easter ceasefire in the war with Ukraine, from 6 p.m. Moscow time on Saturday to midnight on Monday. The announcement followed Russia's claim of pushing Ukrainian troops from a foothold in the Kursk region and came hours after a prisoner exchange.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed skepticism, calling it another attempt by Putin to manipulate human lives. Air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv shortly after the announcement, highlighting the ongoing conflict. Ukraine's previous rejection of similar ceasefires due to suspected ulterior motives further fueled this skepticism.
The article emphasizes the ongoing intense fighting along the eastern frontline, with both sides making incremental gains. The prisoner exchange, while significant, did not signal a broader shift. US-led peace efforts are also stalling, with warnings that the US might cease attempts if no progress is made.