Ukraine Responds Cautiously to Putin's Easter Ceasefire Proposal

Ukraine has expressed its willingness to reciprocate a genuine ceasefire proposed by Russia, but remains skeptical following Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a temporary ceasefire during the Easter holiday. The ceasefire is set to commence at 6 p.m. Moscow time on Saturday and will extend to midnight following Easter Sunday, according to the Kremlin, which cited humanitarian reasons for the truce.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that should Russia genuinely commit to a full and unconditional ceasefire, Ukraine would adopt a similar stance and only engage in defensive actions. He emphasized that any gesture from Moscow, especially during the Easter weekend, could serve as a litmus test for Russia's true intentions.

Details regarding the monitoring of the ceasefire remain unclear, particularly concerning the ongoing airstrikes and ground battles that have persisted throughout the conflict. Zelenskyy indicated that if a full ceasefire were to take effect, Ukraine would be open to extending it beyond Easter Day. He remarked that while a 30-hour ceasefire might suffice for headlines, it would not establish the necessary confidence-building measures.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha pointed out that Kyiv had previously agreed to a U.S.-proposed full interim ceasefire for 30 days, which Russia rejected. He criticized Putin's latest announcement as a mere 30-hour gesture rather than a serious commitment to peace, reflecting a pattern of statements that often do not align with actions.

Simultaneously, both nations engaged in their largest prisoner exchange since the onset of the full-scale invasion. Reports indicate that Russia returned 246 of its service personnel, while Ukraine received 277 of its own soldiers, including some who were wounded. This exchange highlights the ongoing humanitarian concerns stemming from the conflict.

In a related development, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that its forces had regained control over significant territories in the Kursk region, which had previously seen Ukrainian incursions. However, Ukraine has contested this assertion, maintaining that its forces are still active in the area and continue to hold their positions.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, Ukrainian military reports indicate that Russian assaults and artillery fire have continued along various segments of the extensive frontline, which stretches approximately 1,000 kilometers. The situation remains fluid, with both sides engaged in ongoing military operations.

In addition to the military exchanges, the Ukrainian air force reported a significant wave of Russian drone attacks, with hundreds launched overnight. Ukrainian defense systems managed to intercept a number of these threats, although damage was reported in several regions, including Odesa and Sumy.

As families await the return of their loved ones from captivity, the emotional toll of the conflict is palpable. Many relatives gathered outside hospitals in Ukraine's Chernihiv region to welcome back recently freed prisoners of war, reflecting the human cost of the ongoing conflict. One mother, reunited with her son after years of separation, expressed hope for the safe return of all captives.