An Orthodox Easter truce between Russia and Ukraine began Saturday afternoon, but air raid sirens sounded in the Kharkiv region less than an hour later. Ukrainian officials reported multiple frontline violations, though there were no long-range missile or drone strikes. President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukrainian forces would respond 'strictly in kind' to any breaches, reflecting deep skepticism about Moscow’s commitment to the temporary pause.

In Kharkiv, worshippers attended adjusted Easter services under curfew, doubting the ceasefire would hold. Soldiers near the Russian border prepared for renewed fighting, saying Russia often 'says one thing, then does the other.' While some troops delivered Easter cakes to comrades by drone, commanders insisted Ukraine must keep fighting until stronger negotiating conditions and security guarantees are secured.

Residents of heavily damaged neighborhoods expressed exhaustion and despair after years of war. In one suburb, apartment blocks lie in ruins following deadly missile strikes, and survivors say even a brief truce offers only limited relief. 'We really want peace. Not for 1.5 days. For good,' said one resident, as the Kremlin signaled full attacks would resume after the holiday pause.