A temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine was scheduled to begin Saturday, offering a brief pause in the ongoing conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a 32-hour halt to hostilities through Sunday, while Kyiv indicated readiness to reciprocate.
However, doubts remain about the truce’s effectiveness, as previous attempts have been marred by violations. Ukrainian officials urged Russia to extend the ceasefire and restart peace talks, but skepticism persists among citizens in both Kyiv and Moscow.
Reports emerged of continued strikes, with Russian drone attacks killing at least two people in Odesa just hours before the ceasefire was set to take effect. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for “an Easter without threats.”
Moscow has previously dismissed Kyiv’s calls for a ceasefire, instead announcing its own “unilateral” truce. Diplomatic efforts to end the war continue to falter as war pressures mount.