Putin Declares 30-Hour Truce, Ukraine Reports Ongoing Attacks

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a temporary halt to military operations in Ukraine, effective from 6 p.m. Moscow time on Saturday until midnight on Sunday. This pause was intended to coincide with Easter celebrations and was announced during a televised meeting on Saturday. Putin ordered his forces to "stop all military activity" along the front line, a move that was seen by some as a gesture towards peace negotiations.

However, Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, quickly reported ongoing military activity, suggesting that the truce was not being honored by Russian forces. Ukrainian officials accused Putin of violating the terms he himself had set, casting doubt on the sincerity of the truce.

Both sides exchanged accusations of violating the ceasefire, with Ukraine claiming that Russian attacks persisted throughout the truce period. This exchange of accusations heightened tensions and further complicated efforts towards achieving a lasting peace in the region.

The brief pause in hostilities was seen by some analysts as a strategic move by Putin to demonstrate Russia's willingness to engage in peace talks. This move could potentially influence international perceptions and negotiations, but the continued fighting and mutual accusations marred the Easter truce, which was supposed to last 30 hours.

This development underscores the complex and volatile nature of the conflict, where temporary ceasefires are often fraught with mistrust and violations. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving a lasting peace in the region, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.