Putin Declares Temporary Easter Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Hostilities and Major POW Exchange:

On April 19, 2025, President of Russia Putin announced a temporary Easter ceasefire in Ukraine from 6:00 PM Moscow time until the Easter Monday of mid night. This came along with the biggest Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange during the full invasion over three years ago. Regardless of the announcement, Ukranium Officals showed skepticism because of continued military action and Russian intentions not being real on the table.

Along With the Announcement of the Ceasefire Also Came The Immediate Reactions

The Kremlin remarked that the ceasefire was strictly for humanitarian purposes on the grounds of Ukraine giving claim or some form of help. This was rebuttled by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy who remarked that this was yet another stliche by Putin to use straps from around to put Ukraine under cease and manipulate. Zelenskyy had also pointed out the silence that surrounded the Ukraine drone Attacks which concluded balance of no honor.

Largest Prisoner Exchange Since The War Began

Ukraine And Russia have conducted their largest prison exchange for the soldiers of both sides captured during the fighting. In the latest announcement by the Russian ministry of defense, over 246 active servicemen by Ukraine were returned from the territories under control of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. For this, Ukraine's side received 277 of their captured soldiers. The United Arab Emirates mediated the solution to this deal, which included transporting wounded soldiers requiring vital surgical procedures.

Exchange Of Fire Continues Even After The Ceasefire

Even after Ukraine and Russia reached a peace settlement there have been reports of ongoing military activity. Ukraine claims that 33 out of the 87 drones that Russia sent to Ukraine at night were intercepted. Russian attacks also damaged agriculturally productive land in the Odesa region while starting fires in subordinate Sumy. These events have led to a great deal of skepticism about Russian participation and support for the ceasefire.

Conflict in the Kursk Region

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported gloatingly that their forces have reclaimed almost all the territory in Kursk and Ukrainian region claiming control over 99.5% of the area. Ukrainian officials, on the other hand, countered that their troops were still active in the region and had established defensive measures that would, at a minimum, slow down any further Russian incursions. Heavy fighting was recorded in the village of Gornal which suggests that the region is still a battleground.

International Diplomatic Efforts

The militants about a week ago announced a ceasefire in the middle of intense conflict as part of expanding diplomatic activities that intended to resolve the issue. US President Donald Trump indicated that talk-of some sort between Ukraine and Russia was happening at a critical point. But U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has maintained that in a few days and if there is no progress made in the next few days might pull out decision of peace talks from the table.