Skepticism Among Ukrainians as Kremlin Orders Easter Truce: What This Means for Regional Business Stability and Investor Confidence
Ukrainians expressed skepticism on Friday regarding Russia’s announcement of a temporary ceasefire for Orthodox Easter—a proposal originally made by Kyiv.
The Kremlin declared a 32-hour truce beginning Saturday afternoon and ending Sunday night, during which Russia promised to halt military operations “in all directions.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has consistently called for a ceasefire during the ongoing conflict, expressed willingness to reciprocate the pause in fighting.
However, in Kyiv, many remained doubtful about Moscow’s commitment to this rare pause in a war that has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and devastated eastern Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. “No one believes in these fairy tales anymore,” said Yevgeniy Lamakh, an IT specialist in central Kyiv. He added that the Russian military frequently lies and often acts contrary to their statements.
According to Moscow, the ceasefire is set to start at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Yet, skepticism was voiced by Dmytro Sova, a 42-year-old actor in Kyiv, who pointed out that attacks continued even on Friday, with drones and missiles striking Ukraine. “Well, come on then, start the ceasefire,” he challenged.
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 128 drones during its latest overnight attack. Since May 10, 2025, Russia has reportedly used hundreds of long-range drones against Ukraine daily.
While Kyiv has called for a longer-term, unconditional ceasefire, Moscow has rejected this, insisting instead on negotiating a final peace settlement. However, talks mediated by the United States have stalled over the status of Ukraine’s eastern territories, partially occupied by Russia and desired by Moscow to be ceded by Kyiv.
Ukraine firmly rejects ceding these regions, warning it would encourage further aggression. “They need to be pressured so that they simply sit down at the negotiating table, withdraw their troops from our country and leave forever,” Sova stated.
Public sentiment differed sharply between Kyiv and Moscow. In Moscow, many were hopeful the ceasefire could mark the first step toward a broader agreement. Elena, a 58-year-old hairdresser, said, “I’m only for peace, that’s all I can say. Thanks to Putin, maybe things will keep going well from here on.” Pensioner Lyubov Pavlenko called the news “wonderful” and expressed her desire for the war to end quickly.
Last year, Russia declared a similar Easter truce, which both sides accused each other of violating multiple times. This history feeds pessimism among some in Kyiv, including Yuriy Dunai, 46, who said, “They were not observed a single time. It seems to me that it is not worth expecting a miracle.”
— AFP
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The recent Russian pledge for a temporary Orthodox Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, met with skepticism in Kyiv, highlights ongoing geopolitical instability. For businesses in Oman, this underscores the importance of diversifying supply chains and monitoring energy markets, as prolonged conflict could disrupt global trade and oil prices. Smart investors should consider geopolitical risk mitigation strategies and explore opportunities in sectors less exposed to Eastern European volatility.
