Daily Justice

19 April 2025, Moscow – Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine to mark Orthodox Easter, effective from 6:00 PM Moscow time (5:00 PM Paris time) on 19 April until midnight on 21 April, according to statements from the Kremlin. The announcement, reported by multiple sources on X, comes as a rare pause in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fourth year, though scepticism remains about its implementation and impact.

The ceasefire declaration follows a series of stalled diplomatic efforts led by the United States to broker a broader truce. Posts on X from accounts such as @wartranslated and @NewsfeedUkraine cited the Kremlin’s statement, noting that Russian forces are expected to halt combat operations during the specified period. However, the announcement lacks confirmation from Ukrainian authorities, and past ceasefires have been marred by violations, casting doubt on its effectiveness.

The Russia-Ukraine war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has caused widespread devastation, displacing millions and killing thousands. Recent months have seen intensified Russian missile and drone attacks, including a deadly strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy on 13 April 2025, which killed 35 civilians and injured over 100, according to The Independent. Ceasefire talks, primarily driven by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, have repeatedly faltered, with Russia rejecting a proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire in March, to which Ukraine had agreed.

A partial ceasefire on energy infrastructure, brokered last month, has also been contentious, with Russia accusing Ukraine of violations and Ukraine reporting continued Russian strikes on critical targets. Against this backdrop, Putin’s Easter truce appears to be a symbolic gesture, though its timing coincides with heightened diplomatic activity, including recent talks between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian officials in Saint Petersburg on 11 April.

Ukrainian officials have not yet publicly responded to the ceasefire announcement, but previous statements from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggest deep mistrust of Russian intentions. On 13 April, Zelenskyy urged allies to impose “strong pressure” on Russia, noting that Moscow had ignored a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for two months. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have accused Russia of using delay tactics to prolong the war while continuing attacks on civilian infrastructure.

Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment. While some users view the ceasefire as a potential step toward de-escalation, others express doubt, citing Russia’s history of disregarding truce agreements. The lack of independent verification and the absence of a reciprocal commitment from Ukraine further complicate the situation.

The Kremlin’s announcement specifies that the ceasefire will cover the Orthodox Easter period, a significant religious observance in both Russia and Ukraine. However, without mutual agreement or robust monitoring mechanisms, the truce’s success remains uncertain. Past ceasefires, such as the 30-day energy infrastructure moratorium, have been undermined by mutual accusations of non-compliance.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the front lines to see whether Russian forces adhere to the order and whether Ukraine responds with a corresponding pause. The international community, particularly European allies and the U.S., is likely to closely monitor developments, with NATO members having pledged €20 billion in aid to Ukraine for 2025.

For now, the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for a brief respite in a protracted and bloody conflict, but its broader implications for peace talks remain unclear. As one Ukrainian civilian quoted in The Independent said of prior ceasefire efforts, “It’s empty talks. They don’t move anywhere.”