On Easter Sunday, a 30-hour ceasefire was announced, but reactions from Ukrainians in Kyiv and the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk were mixed. Many expressed skepticism about whether the truce would hold. In Kyiv, lawyer Olena Poprych shared her doubts, stating, “I do not think this man [Putin] has anything to do with humanity.”
In Donetsk, residents echoed this sentiment. One attendee of the Easter service, Vladimir, noted that President Zelensky’s comments did not reassure him about the ceasefire. He felt there were no clear promises, just vague statements that left him worried about continuing attacks.
The British government criticized the ceasefire as a mere "one day stunt," pointing out that there were reports of ongoing violence, including casualties among innocent Ukrainians. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) described the truce as fitting a pattern of previous "fake ceasefires" and urged for a more extended pause in fighting, suggesting a 30-day ceasefire instead.
The U.S. State Department also expressed support for a longer ceasefire, emphasizing their commitment to achieving a comprehensive agreement. A spokesperson mentioned they would welcome an extension beyond the initial deadline.
Both Ukraine and Russia accused each other of violating the ceasefire. This announcement from Putin came amidst ongoing tensions since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. The conflict has led to significant loss of life, with estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands of casualties, primarily among soldiers.
In recent discussions, the U.S. has been trying to mediate between the two countries but has faced challenges in making significant progress. Moscow has responded to calls for a ceasefire with a list of conditions, complicating efforts for peace.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the U.S. would not pursue this endeavor indefinitely, stating that a decision would need to be made soon about the viability of a ceasefire. If progress isn’t made, the U.S. may shift its focus elsewhere.