Putin Orders Easter Ceasefire in Ukraine, Urges Kyiv to Follow
On April 19, 2025, President Putin announced a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine from April 20 to April 21, framing it as a humanitarian gesture. He urged Ukraine to reciprocate, while emphasizing vigilance against violations. Previous Easter ceasefires have faced skepticism, and the effectiveness of this truce remains uncertain amid ongoing hostilities.
hassan benyoub 
Moscow, Russia – On April 19, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine to mark Easter, effective from Saturday at 15:00 GMT until midnight between Sunday and Monday (21:00 GMT Sunday). In a televised address, Putin called on Ukrainian authorities to reciprocate, framing the move as a test of Kyiv’s commitment to peace.
Details of the Ceasefire
Putin declared the truce “guided by humanitarian considerations,” ordering Russian forces to halt all hostilities during the specified period. “We assume the Ukrainian side will follow our example,” he stated, suggesting that Kyiv’s response would reveal “the sincerity of the Kyiv regime” and its willingness to engage in peace talks aimed at resolving the “root causes of the Ukrainian crisis.”
However, Putin emphasized vigilance, instructing Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov to ensure Russian troops remain prepared for “any possible violations or provocations” by Ukraine. “Be extremely focused and ready for an immediate and comprehensive response,” he told Gerasimov, signaling a cautious approach to the ceasefire.
Historical Context of Easter Truces
This marks the third attempt at an Easter ceasefire since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. In April 2022, a proposal by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres failed after Russia rejected it, citing concerns that Ukraine would use the pause to regroup and rearm. In January 2023, a 36-hour truce proposed by Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill was dismissed by Ukraine as a “trap,” with fighting continuing unabated. These precedents cast doubt on the likelihood of mutual compliance this time.
Implications and Challenges
The ceasefire announcement comes amid ongoing Russian military advances in eastern Ukraine, particularly in Donetsk, where recent gains have been reported. Ukraine has not yet responded officially, but past rejections suggest skepticism toward Russian initiatives. Social media posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users viewing the truce as a diplomatic gesture and others questioning its sincerity given the conflict’s intensity.
The success of the ceasefire hinges on both sides’ adherence, a challenge given the deep mistrust and continuous hostilities. Any violation could escalate tensions further, undermining prospects for broader peace negotiations.
Global and Regional Significance
Putin’s call for a truce aligns with the Russian Orthodox Church’s influence during Easter, a major holiday in both Russia and Ukraine. However, the ongoing war, now in its third year, has strained relations, with Ukraine accusing Russia of using such gestures for propaganda. The international community, including the UN, is likely to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a de-escalation, however brief.
As the Easter ceasefire unfolds, its outcome could shape perceptions of Russia’s intentions and Ukraine’s response in the global arena. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
