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An Easter cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine reduced some aerial assaults, but Ukrainian officials reported nearly 3,000 violations by Russian forces. Despite the breakdown, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism late on April 20, saying, “hopefully, Ukraine and Russia will make a deal this week,” adding that both could benefit economically from stronger ties with the United States.
The unilateral truce, announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, was to last from 6 p.m. April 19 to midnight on April 20. The Kremlin confirmed no plans to extend it. Ukraine claimed it was not honored and instead offered a 30-day pause in long-range strikes on civilian infrastructure, urging Russia to agree.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Russia’s response—or lack thereof—would reveal its true intentions. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha echoed this, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that Russia’s post-truce actions will “reveal Russia’s true attitude toward US peace efforts and the 30-day full cease-fire proposal.”
The U.S. State Department welcomed the idea of an extended cease-fire, stating it remained committed to a full and comprehensive halt in hostilities. However, early on April 21, Zelenskyy accused Russia of 2,935 violations during the brief truce, noting the absence of air raid alerts as the only indication of compliance.
Videos sent to RFE/RL showed continued violence, including a drone attack on civilian evacuees near Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region. In another post, Zelenskyy cited high Russian activity in Pokrovsk, with more strikes in Kursk, Siversk, and other Donetsk areas, contradicting Putin’s cease-fire claims.
Meanwhile, Russia claimed Kyiv launched 48 drone attacks on Russian and Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. Zelenskyy defended Ukraine’s response as “fully symmetrical.” Tensions also flared internationally, with British and Swedish jets intercepting Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea on April 15 and 17.
Public Skepticism, Rising Tensions, and Trump’s Ultimatum
In Kyiv, public trust in the truce was low. “They (the Russians) say one thing but do the opposite,” said Dmytro, a 37-year-old IT worker. Olha Malashuk, 40, echoed the sentiment: “[Putin] probably wants to rearm the troops, that is why no one believes him anymore.” In Moscow, skepticism also lingered. “It’s pointless because I don’t trust Ukraine,” said 58-year-old Evgeny Pavlov. Another resident, Maria Goranina, 85, called for a final decision on peace: “Either make peace permanently or not at all.”
The cease-fire followed a wave of U.S. pressure. Trump, on April 18, said the conflict was “coming to a head,” denying that either side was “playing” him. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that the U.S. might “move on” from peace efforts if progress isn't made soon.
Although the truce is over, both sides now face renewed diplomatic pressure. Whether Putin’s cease-fire announcement was a genuine gesture or political maneuver remains uncertain, but international eyes are now fixed on the coming week to see if Trump’s optimism proves justified—or premature.
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