Putin Declares 30‑Hour ‘Easter Truce’ in Ukraine; Zelensky Says Shelling Continues
Russian President Vladimir Putin surprised observers Saturday by ordering a 30‑hour halt to “all military activity” in Ukraine, calling it an “Easter truce” that runs until 22:00 BST Sunday. He told commanders to be ready to hit back if Ukrainian forces break the pause and said he expects Kyiv to “mirror” Russia’s actions. The Kremlin’s move follows weeks of sputtering U.S.‑brokered talks and comes after Moscow rejected a broader 30‑day ceasefire proposal.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded that his troops will honor any genuine silence but accused Russia of violating its own pledge within hours, citing drone strikes and shelling near Kursk, Belgorod and Kharkiv. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called the offer “30 hours instead of 30 days” and warned that past Russian truces collapsed almost immediately. Kyiv says it is still ready to extend a full 30‑day ceasefire first floated by Washington—if Moscow agrees.
The White House, frustrated by stalled diplomacy, has threatened to withdraw from mediation unless “quick progress” is made. President Donald Trump said on Friday the U.S. will “take a pass” on further talks if the warring sides cannot reach a deal in the next few days. With spring offensives looming, analysts say Putin may be using short truces to regroup while betting that time—and battlefield momentum—remain on Russia’s side.
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