Zelensky slams Putin's Easter truce offer as 'attempt to play with lives'

Kyiv: Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a surprise 30-hour Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, set to last until midnight on Sunday. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains sceptical, accusing Russia of using this truce as yet another ploy to manipulate human lives.

The proposal, described by Putin as a humanitarian gesture, represents one of the most notable pauses in the three-year conflict. Zelensky responded with marked scepticism, accusing the Kremlin of exploiting religious holidays to shape public opinion.

"As for yet another attempt by Putin to play with human lives – at this moment, air raid alerts are spreading across Ukraine," Zelensky wrote on X.

"Shahed (attack) drones in our skies reveal Putin's true attitude toward Easter and toward human life."

During a televised briefing with Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov, Putin announced a ceasefire from 6:00 PM Saturday to midnight Sunday, urging Ukraine to reciprocate while instructing Russian troops to remain vigilant against violations.

The announcement came amidst air raid sirens in major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, which only subsided as the ceasefire began. Ukrainian authorities have not confirmed their participation, and Zelensky dismissed the truce as another of Moscow's manipulative tactics.

“Putin might do it to give some hope or to show his humanity. But either way, of course, we don't trust Russia,” said Dmitry, a 40-year-old Ukrainian soldier. “These 30 hours will lead to nothing… The killings will continue.”

Amid widespread scepticism, Russia and Ukraine carried out a major prisoner exchange on the same day. Both nations confirmed the return of 246 captured soldiers each. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted that this brings the total number of Ukrainian prisoners of war released to 4,552.

Putin framed the truce as a test of Kyiv’s willingness to engage in peace talks, stating, “This will show how sincere the Kyiv regime’s desire and ability are to observe agreements.”

Past efforts to arrange ceasefires around major holidays, such as Easter in 2022 and Orthodox Christmas in 2023, collapsed due to mutual distrust and ongoing hostilities.

A month ago, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by former US President Donald Trump, but Moscow declined.

(inputs from IANS)