Russia-Ukraine Easter ceasefire

The ceasefire proposal, initially suggested by Kyiv, was formally ordered by President Putin, though he instructed Russian forces to remain ready to respond to any 'provocations.' A major prisoner exchange is also scheduled for Saturday as part of the humanitarian gesture.

Despite the temporary halt in fighting, the Kremlin has stated that long-term negotiations remain unlikely unless Ukraine makes 'appropriate' concessions.

On the ground, both Ukrainian and Russian citizens expressed doubt, recalling how previous holiday truces were quickly violated.