Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed doubts about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announced Easter ceasefire.

Following the announcement, Zelenskyy noted on X that air raid sirens were sounding and Russian attack drones had been detected.

“The presence of Shahed drones in our skies demonstrates Putin’s true feelings toward Easter and human life,” he stated.

The Kremlin released a video on Saturday where Putin said that “Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 18:00 to 00:00, from Sunday to Monday, the Russian side declares an Easter truce.’”

Zelenskyy also mentioned that Russia had “ignored” the United States’ proposal for a 30-day truce, which Ukraine had “responded positively” to.

“If Russia is truly ready to commit to a complete and unconditional ceasefire, Ukraine will respond in kind, mirroring their actions,” Zelenskyy stated. “Silence in response to silence, defensive strikes in response to attacks.”

He suggested extending the Easter ceasefire if it materializes.

“This would reveal Russia’s true intentions, as 30 hours is only enough for headlines, not genuine trust-building. Thirty days could offer a chance for peace.”

Zelenskyy further stated, “According to reports from the Commander-in-Chief, Russian assault operations are ongoing in several frontline sectors, and Russian artillery fire has not decreased. Therefore, we do not trust words from Moscow. We are well aware of Moscow’s manipulation tactics and are prepared for any scenario.

“Ukraine’s Defense Forces will respond rationally, meeting every Russian strike with an appropriate response.”

Late Saturday, Zelenskyy noted that Putin’s “Easter statements did not extend to” the Kursk and Belgorod regions of Ukraine, where “hostilities continue, and Russian strikes persist. Russian artillery can still be heard in certain directions of the front, regardless of the Russian leader’s promise of silence. Russian drones are in use.”

He acknowledged that “In some areas, the situation has become quieter.”

Zelenskyy reiterated that the “proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day silence remains on the table, awaiting a response from Moscow. Ukraine, along with its partners, is ready to pursue peace constructively, but Russia must demonstrate the same readiness.”

The war has been ongoing for over three years, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths on both sides since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The ceasefire announcement follows news that the U.S. Treasury Secretary said on Thursday that an 80-page minerals deal will be signed with Ukraine in one week. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later said it would likely be signed April 26.

Details of the agreement are still largely unknown, though recent reports suggest the U.S. has reduced its demands for repayment of aid to Ukraine from $300 billion to $100 billion.

On Friday, former President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. will “just take a pass” on peace efforts for Ukraine if Russian President Vladimir Putin rejects ceasefire terms.

“If one of the parties makes it very difficult, we’re just going to say, ‘You’re foolish, you’re horrible people,’ and we’re going to just take a pass,” Trump told reporters. “But hopefully we won’t have to do that.”

Digital’s Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.

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