1. Putin’s Truce Announcement
On April 19, Putin declared a 30-hour ceasefire (6 PM Moscow time to midnight Sunday), framing it as a “humanitarian gesture” for Orthodox Easter. Key points:

  • Russia would “exercise restraint”
  • But promised to “respond decisively” if Ukraine attacked

2. Zelenskyy’s Rebuttal: “Attacks Continue”
Hours after the truce began, Zelenskyy stated:
🔥 Ongoing shelling: Russian artillery still hitting Donbas and Kharkiv fronts
🔥 Drone activity: Reconnaissance UAVs spotted over Ukrainian positions
🔥 Border clashes: Fighting reported in Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions

3. Why Ukraine Distrusts the Truce
Ukrainian officials cite:
Past broken promises: Russia attacked during 2022’s “Christmas ceasefire”
Suspected regrouping: Intelligence suggests Russia may use the pause to reinforce defenses
Too short: Zelenskyy noted the U.S. had proposed a 30-day truce in March—rejected by Moscow

4. On the Ground: Air Raids & Defensive Postures
Despite the ceasefire:

  • Air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv and central Ukraine
  • Frontline troops told Reuters: “Shelling decreased but didn’t stop”
  • Ukraine maintains defensive lines, avoids large counterattacks

5. International Responses

  • UN: Urged both sides to respect the pause for civilian evacuations
  • U.S.: Blinken said Washington is “closely monitoring compliance”
  • EU: Warned of new sanctions if Russia violates the truce

6. My Analysis: Truce or Tactical Pause?
Covering this war since 2022, I see:
PR over substance: 30 hours won’t shift the war, but Putin wants a “humanitarian” narrative
Ukraine’s vigilance: After past Russian deception, Kyiv assumes bad faith
What’s next?: Watch for Russian troop movements—could this precede a summer offensive?

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