**Ukrainian Troops Ordered to Cease Fire as Putin Announces Easter Truce**
In a move that has raised eyebrows in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an “Easter truce” on April 19, ordering a temporary ceasefire on all military action from 6 p.m. Moscow time until midnight on April 21. However, just minutes after the start of the supposed truce, Ukrainian troops received orders to cease fire on Russian positions, according to a senior Ukrainian military officer.
The officer told the BBC’s Russia service that troops were also instructed to document any Russian ceasefire violations and to return fire if necessary. This move has been met with skepticism by the Ukrainian government, which cited continued attacks and Moscow’s track record on ceasefire agreements.
**Skepticism from Ukraine**
President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to Putin’s announcement with caution, stating that air defense units were responding to ongoing Russian attacks and that Shahed-type drones had been spotted over Ukrainian territory. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also expressed doubts about the truce, saying that Putin’s word could not be trusted.
“We know that his words cannot be believed, and we will look at actions, not words,” Sybiha said. Ukraine has been willing to commit to a 30-day ceasefire on all hostilities since March 11, but this latest move by Putin seems more like an attempt to “play with people’s lives” than a genuine effort to bring peace.
**Background and Analysis**
This announcement comes in the wake of previous Russian attacks on Ukraine during major Orthodox holidays, including a deadly strike on Sumy that killed 35 people and an attack on Kharkiv during Good Friday that killed one person and injured 120. Putin’s move may be seen as an attempt to soften his image ahead of any future diplomatic talks.
However, the Ukrainian government is not buying it. With continued attacks and no signs of a genuine ceasefire, Ukraine remains vigilant and ready to defend itself against Russian aggression. As Zelensky noted, “We are not afraid of Russia’s words; we are waiting for their actions.”
**International Reactions**
The international community has also expressed skepticism about the truce. The United States has proposed a 30-day ceasefire on all hostilities since March 11, but it remains to be seen if Russia will adhere to this agreement.
Meanwhile, Lithuania is upgrading and fortifying a second route through the Suwałki Gap, a strategically critical stretch of land along the Polish border viewed as one of the most likely targets for a future Russian attack on NATO. The United Arab Emirates has also facilitated a major prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, releasing 277 Ukrainian soldiers in exchange for an undisclosed number of Russian prisoners.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, while Putin’s announcement of an Easter truce may seem like a gesture of goodwill, the Ukrainian government remains unconvinced. With continued attacks and no signs of a genuine ceasefire, it is clear that Ukraine will not be swayed by empty words from Moscow. The international community must remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any future Russian aggression.
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