Putin Announces Easter Ceasefire, Hundreds of POWs Swapped

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 30-hour Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, stating it was for humanitarian reasons, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the move as a publicity stunt and criticized ongoing Russian attacks during the period. Ukrainian officials highlighted that they had previously agreed to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, which Russia rejected, and expressed skepticism over Moscow's sincerity given past unmet commitments. Despite the announced truce, reports of continued Russian assaults and air raids persisted along the front lines. In a significant development, the two sides also conducted their largest prisoner exchange since the start of the full-scale invasion, with hundreds of POWs returned and both parties thanking the United Arab Emirates for mediating. Zelenskyy suggested that a true ceasefire should be extended beyond Easter to test Russia's intentions. The ceasefire announcement came as international efforts, including those by the U.S., seek to broker peace between the countries.