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As Orthodox Easter approaches, Ukrainians remain deeply sceptical of Russia’s pledge to pause hostilities over the weekend after Moscow announced that it had ordered a temporary ceasefire from Saturday afternoon until Sunday night, lasting for 32 hours.
The Kremlin claimed the truce would apply “in all directions” of the ongoing conflict, which has devastated Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed a willingness to reciprocate, agreeing to a pause in hostilities. However, the mood in Kyiv was one of deep suspicion, with many in the capital expressing doubts that Russia would adhere to its promise, given its historical pattern of broken ceasefire agreements.
Yevgeniy Lamakh, an IT specialist in Kyiv, voiced the general frustration, telling AFP, “No one believes in these fairytales anymore. The Russian military lie a lot, usually, as history shows. And in general, they say one thing, but in fact do something completely different.” His sentiment reflects the widespread wariness that the truce will amount to little more than another temporary lull in the violence.
Dmytro Sova, a 42-year-old actor, echoed these sentiments, sarcastically responding, “Well then do it, if you want to do it!” He pointed out that even as the announcement was made, missiles and Shahed drones were still raining down on Ukraine.
Despite Ukraine’s scepticism, there is a contrasting mood in Moscow, where some locals are hopeful the truce could mark the beginning of a broader peace agreement. Elena, a 58-year-old hairdresser in Moscow, shared her optimistic view, saying, “I’m only for peace, that’s all I can say.”
However, Yuriy Dunai, a 46-year-old Kyiv resident, remains deeply pessimistic, recalling last year’s failed Orthodox Easter ceasefire. “They were not observed a single time. It seems to me that it is not worth expecting a miracle,” he said, reflecting the distrust that runs deep in Ukraine.
Moscow has rejected Ukraine’s calls for an unconditional ceasefire and insists that its aim is to push for a final peace settlement, though talks have stalled due to disagreements over the fate of Ukraine’s eastern regions.
Ukraine has firmly rejected any concessions, warning that ceding territory would only invite further Russian aggression.
In a war that has already claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, any pause in fighting is welcomed by some. Yet, for many in Kyiv, the promise of peace seems as elusive as ever, leaving them questioning whether Russia is truly committed to ending the conflict or merely buying time.
