Ukraine has stated it will honor any sincere ceasefire from Moscow, but remains wary following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration of a temporary Easter halt to hostilities. This brief pause, lasting from 6 p.m. Saturday to midnight Sunday (Moscow time), was announced as a humanitarian gesture. However, there was no clarity on whether it includes aerial assaults or active ground operations.

President Zelenskyy said Kyiv would respond proportionately to a true and unconditional ceasefire, especially if it extended beyond Easter. He stressed that 30 hours was insufficient to build lasting trust. Ongoing Russian shelling along the 1,000 km front line has cast doubt on the truce’s sincerity.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reminded that Ukraine had earlier accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S., which Russia declined. He questioned Moscow’s credibility, citing inconsistencies in Putin’s past pledges.

Amid the uncertainty, the largest prisoner swap since the war began occurred. Russia reclaimed 246 troops, while Ukraine welcomed 277 soldiers, including 31 wounded, in return for 15 injured Russians. The UAE facilitated the exchange.

Many freed Ukrainians were young men born post-2000. Emotional reunions unfolded, including a mother embracing her son after three years apart, pleading for global help to free the remaining captives. Over 4,500 Ukrainians have returned from captivity since 2022.

Elsewhere, Russia claims near-total control of Kursk’s Oleshnya village after expelling Ukrainian forces. However, Ukraine insists its troops are still active there and beyond, aiming to halt Russian advances into Sumy.