Zelensky's 9-word verdict on Putin's Easter truce as 'Russian attacks continue'

Volodymyr Zelensky has directly addressed Russian Vladimir Putin announcement of a surprise 30-hour Easter truce to pause the fighting in Ukraine saying "there is no trust in words coming from Moscow". In a post on X shortly shortly after 7.15pm, the Ukrainian president began by saying a proposal made by the United States for a full and unconditional 30 days ceasefire, to which Kyiv responded "positively", "has gone unanswered by Russia for 39 days".

Referencing the truce Putin said today he was ordering, 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. "Silence in response to silence, defensive strikes in response to attacks," he added.

Zelensky said if a complete ceasefire takes hold, Kyiv proposes extending the truce beyond Sunday, saying it will "reveal Russia's true intentions - because 30 hours is enough to make headlines, but not for genuine confidence-building measures".

The war-time leader, who has spearheaded 's resistance to 's unprovoked full-scale invasion since it began in February 2022, added: "Thirty days could give peace a chance".

Zelensky said: "As of now, according to the Commander-in-Chief reports, Russian assault operations continue on several frontline sectors, and Russian artillery fire has not subsided," adding: "Therefore, there is no trust in words coming from Moscow."

Putin made the announcement on Saturday meeting with Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov broadcast on state television.

The Russian leader said his forces would temporarily pause fighting from 6pm today Moscow time (4pm BST) until the end of Sunday (10pm BST).

According to state media, Putin said: "Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 18:00 to 00:00 from Sunday to Monday, the side declares an Easter truce. I order all military actions to cease for this period," he said.

The statement added: "The ceasefire is being introduced for humanitarian purposes and will be observed by the Russian Joint Group of Troops (Forces), provided that it is mutually observed" by the what he called the "Kyiv regime".

"We assume that the Ukrainian side will follow our example. At the same time, our troops must be ready to repel possible violations of the truce and provocations from the enemy, any of its aggressive actions," he added.

Zelensky issued a statement following the announcement earlier, in which he accused Putin of playing "with human lives". It came after air raid alerts were heard across Ukraine at around 5.15pm local time (3.15pm BST).

He said: "Ukrainian air defence and activation have already begun working to protect us. Shahed drone in our skies reveal Putin's true attitude toward Easter and toward human life."

According to AFP an an air-raid alert message told told residents of Ukraine's capital Kyiv to proceed to shelters and journalists for the agency reported hearing sirens shortly before 10:00 pm (8pm BST) with the air force warning of a "missile threat" in the region.

Putin's announcement today came after Donald Trump reaffirmed threats from his administration to abandon talks Washington has been leading as they seek a deal to end the war, seemingly frustrated by a lack of progress.