Putin Declares ‘Easter Truce’ in Ukraine Amid Trump’s Growing Disinterest in Peace Deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin announces a 30-hour humanitarian ceasefire, testing Ukraine’s willingness for dialogue as Donald Trump pressures both sides for a lasting truce.

Moscow, April 20, 2025:
In a surprise move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a short-term Easter truce in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, pausing military operations from 6 PM Saturday to midnight on Sunday. The gesture comes amid growing global calls for a ceasefire, most notably from US President Donald Trump, who has been urging both Moscow and Kyiv to reach a truce — so far, without meaningful concessions from Russia.

“Today from 1800 to midnight Sunday, the Russian side announces an Easter truce,” Putin said during a televised meeting with Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov. Calling it a “humanitarian measure,” Putin ordered all Russian forces to halt operations for the duration.

Also Read: Trump Hints at Withdrawing U.S. from Ukraine Peace Talks If Sides Remain Stubborn

Putin stated that the truce was initiated unilaterally by Russia and expressed hope that Ukraine would follow suit, while warning that troops must remain alert for any breaches or provocations from Kyiv.

---

Context: War-Weariness and Trump’s Mediation Efforts
The move comes as Donald Trump’s administration has been increasingly vocal about securing a temporary or long-term ceasefire. While Trump has publicly shown interest in brokering peace, he has reportedly struggled to extract tangible cooperation from the Kremlin.

Also Read: Zelensky Exposes Chinese Fighters in Ukraine, Disproves Chinese Denials to the World

Putin’s announcement also follows accusations that Kyiv violated over 100 ceasefire-related commitments, particularly regarding strikes on energy infrastructure. In response, Moscow dropped its own moratorium on targeting Ukrainian energy assets just a day earlier.

“This truce will show how sincere Kyiv’s regime is in observing agreements and participating in a peace process,” Putin said, laying the diplomatic pressure squarely on Ukraine.

---

Truce History: A Repeating Pattern of Breakdowns
This is not the first time a temporary religious ceasefire has been proposed. Similar attempts during Easter 2022 and Orthodox Christmas 2023 failed due to mutual distrust and lack of coordination between the warring sides.

Also Read: “Ceasefire First, Then Partnership”: White House Signals Hope for US-Russia Economic Ties Amid Ukraine Conflict

While the truce is seen as largely symbolic, experts believe it could serve as a litmus test for upcoming diplomatic negotiations, possibly under Trump’s mediation efforts.

---

Tags:
Vladimir Putin, Ukraine War, Russia Ukraine Truce, Easter Ceasefire, Donald Trump Ukraine Mediation, Ukraine Russia Peace Talks, Kyiv Moscow Conflict, Putin Ceasefire, US Russia Diplomacy, War in Ukraine