Russian President Vladimir Putin declared an Easter truce on Saturday, ordering troops to halt operations from 6 p.m. to midnight Sunday. He framed the ceasefire as a humanitarian gesture and urged Ukraine to reciprocate, calling it a test for Kyiv’s leadership.
During a televised meeting with military chief Valery Gerasimovas, Putin announced that air raid sirens had blared in Kyiv. Ukrainians immediately cast doubt on Russia’s sincerity, recalling repeated ceasefire violations since Moscow’s 2014 incursion into eastern Ukraine.
Russia has refused to honour a US-proposed 30-day pause in fighting, though Ukraine expressed willingness to comply with such efforts. On Saturday, Putin accused Ukraine of attacking Russian energy sites, demanding an immediate response if Kyiv violates agreements again.
Meanwhile, reports suggest Donald Trump may consider recognizing Crimea as Russian territory to facilitate a peace deal. The US could acknowledge Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, seized after a disputed vote.
Such a move would defy the UN Charter and decades of international norms opposing territorial conquest through military force. Most US allies have rejected the annexation, and critics warn this concession could spark outrage across Europe and Ukraine. Trump hinted that the US might abandon the talks if one side appears unwilling to compromise, calling opponents foolish and horrible.
Leaked details show Washington pushing a Kremlin-favoured deal allowing Russia to retain occupied areas in eastern and southern Ukraine. Talks led to Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff continuing in London amid suggestions of sanction relief and others to Moscow.
Putin reportedly demands Ukraine’s demilitarization, NATO exclusion and President Zelensky’s removal as conditions for any ceasefire agreement. Zelensky rejected Witkoffs suggestion to cede Crimea and other provinces, reaffirming that these lands belong to future generations of Ukrainians.
Friday’s Russian Missile strike killed two in Kharkiv following a Palm Sunday attack that killed 35 civilians in Sumy. Russia has transformed Crimea into a military base, launching invasions from the peninsula and facing regular Ukrainian strikes.
Despite negotiations, Putin intensified attacks before the truce, casting doubt on his real intentions during peace talks. Critics say any peace deal must reject recognizing Crimea as Russian territory and include firm guarantees.
