Background on Key Figures and Context
Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, announced a unilateral Easter truce in Ukraine on Semana Santa, directing his forces to cease hostilities starting at 18:00 Moscow time (15:00 GMT) on Saturday until midnight on April 20, 2025. This announcement comes amidst ongoing conflict since Russia began moving troops into Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Ukrainian Response and International Reactions
Ukraine’s air defense units reported repelling a drone attack by Russian forces on Saturday, highlighting Moscow’s true stance towards Easter and human life. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the ongoing resistance against Russian aggression.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Friday that the United States would withdraw from peace negotiation efforts between Russia and Ukraine unless clear signs of progress emerge soon.
Putin’s Conditions and Ukraine’s Rejection
Putin has repeatedly expressed his desire to end the war, demanding that Ukraine officially abandon its aspirations to join NATO and withdraw all troops from four Ukrainian regions claimed by Moscow. Kiev has largely dismissed these conditions, viewing them as an unconditional surrender.
Implementation and Prisoner Exchange
The Russian Defense Ministry ordered all commanders in the conflict zone to adhere to the truce, provided it is “mutually respected” by Ukraine. Simultaneously, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 246 prisoners of war each, facilitated by the United Arab Emirates.
- Prisoner Conditions: Russian prisoners of war are reportedly receiving medical and psychological care in Belarus.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who announced the unilateral truce? President Vladimir Putin of Russia announced the unilateral truce.
- What are Putin’s conditions for ending the war? Putin demands that Ukraine officially abandon its NATO membership aspirations and withdraw all troops from four regions claimed by Russia.
- How has Ukraine responded to Putin’s conditions? Kiev has largely rejected Putin’s conditions, considering them an unconditional surrender.
- What is the duration of the announced truce? The truce, starting at 18:00 Moscow time (15:00 GMT) on Saturday, will last until midnight on April 20, 2025.
- What recent prisoner exchange took place between Russia and Ukraine? Russia and Ukraine exchanged 246 prisoners of war each, with the United Arab Emirates acting as mediators.
