Putin Announces Easter Ceasefire in Ukraine; Largest POW Swap Since War Began
Moscow/Kyiv | April 21, 2025: Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a temporary Easter ceasefire in Ukraine on humanitarian grounds, effective from 6 PM Moscow time (Saturday) until midnight after Easter Sunday. The announcement coincided with the largest prisoner-of-war (POW) exchange since Russia’s full-scale invasion began over three years ago.
“We assume Ukraine will follow our example. However, our troops must remain ready to repel any provocation,” Putin said in a televised address alongside General Valery Gerasimov.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the gesture as “another attempt by Putin to play with human lives,” citing ongoing air raid alerts and Shahed drone sightings across Ukraine.
Record-Breaking POW Exchange
While tensions remain high, both nations agreed to a significant exchange of prisoners:
- Russia received 246 service members
- Ukraine welcomed back 277 captured soldiers
- In a rare goodwill move, Russia released 31 wounded Ukrainian POWs in exchange for 15 wounded Russian soldiers
Both Kyiv and Moscow thanked the United Arab Emirates for mediating the swap.
US Reaction and Pressure Mounting
Putin’s ceasefire order follows remarks from US President Donald Trump, who said talks between Ukraine and Russia are “coming to a head.”
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Washington may pull back from mediation efforts if no progress is made soon.
The war, now entering its fourth year, shows few signs of resolution despite intermittent diplomatic overtures and international pressure.
