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UKRAINE-RUSSIA CONFLICT: PUTIN DECLARES EASTER TRUCE, BUT FIGHTING CONTINUES

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a 30-hour Easter truce in Ukraine, citing “humanitarian considerations.” The truce is set to begin on Friday evening and last until Sunday. However, Ukrainian officials and civilians are skeptical about the ceasefire, with many believing it is just a publicity stunt. According to reports, Ukrainian troops were ordered to hold fire minutes after the truce was announced, but air raid sirens have been heard in Ukraine, and Russian attacks continue on several frontlines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, “If Russia is now suddenly ready to truly engage in a format of full and unconditional silence, Ukraine will act accordingly — mirroring Russia’s actions.” Zelensky also urged Putin to extend the truce beyond the 30-hour period, saying it would reveal Russia’s true intentions. “Thirty days could give peace a chance,” he added. The Ukrainian president emphasized that there is no trust in words coming from Moscow, given Russia’s history of manipulating ceasefires. Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation in Ukraine, claimed Russia has not ceased hostilities despite the truce announcement. “There is NO truce: in all directions, the Russian Federation continues to fire, as before,” he said. The proposed truce comes after a 30-day ceasefire deal was agreed between Ukraine and the US, but Russia declined its terms. Putin’s declaration of a unilateral truce may be an attempt to convince the White House that Russia is serious about ending the war. Civilians in Ukraine are also expressing skepticism about the truce. “He only knows how to get things done using force,” said Kyiv resident Tetiana Solovei, referring to Putin. “Tonight, in Ukraine and especially in Kyiv, we expect missiles. There will be no ceasefire.”

UKRAINE AND US HOLD TALKS IN SAUDI ARABIA AMID ONGOING CONFLICT WITH RUSSIA

Talks between Ukraine and the US are underway in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, amid ongoing conflict with Russia. The meeting, which began with a “very constructive” tone, according to President Zelensky’s aide Andriy Yermak, aims to rebuild trust between the two nations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the meeting, saying it would be “good”. The talks follow a series of drone attacks on Russia overnight, which killed at least three people. Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko said the attacks showed Ukraine’s capability to carry out a “very serious” attack on Russia. “This is a message that we have, at least, cards,” he said. The meeting in Jeddah is seen as a crucial step in rebuilding relations between Ukraine and the US, following a fiery exchange between President Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump. As the talks continue, Ukraine’s military has claimed responsibility for the drone attacks on Russia, saying they struck “a number of strategic objects”, including a production capacity of the Moscow oil refinery.