Ukraine has confirmed its readiness to observe the 30-hour ceasefire announced as part of the agreements reached through the mediation of international partners. This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in a commentary published on April 19, 2025 by Bloomberg. According to him, Kyiv expects Russia to strictly and unconditionally comply with the terms of the ceasefire, which entered into force at 18:00 on April 19 and will last until midnight on April 21. The Ukrainian side emphasized that it will evaluate Moscow's actions, and not rely on its statements, given previous cases of violations of such agreements.
The Ukrainian diplomat's statement came in response to Russia's initiative, voiced by President Vladimir Putin, to introduce an Easter truce. However, Kyiv expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, pointing out the discrepancy between its words and actions. The deputy minister noted that any provocations or shelling by Russian forces would be regarded as a violation of the agreements, which could lead to an immediate response from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Ukraine, he said, remains vigilant and is ready to defend its positions, despite the temporary pause in hostilities.
The ceasefire decision was part of a broader effort to de-escalate the conflict. According to Reuters, the initiative was proposed ahead of talks in London scheduled for next week, where the US intends to present a “final proposal” for a settlement. According to The New York Post, Kyiv is 90% supportive of the Donald Trump administration’s plan, but key issues, including the status of disputed territories and security guarantees, remain open. In this context, the 30-hour ceasefire is seen as a test of the parties’ readiness for further dialogue.