BBC Russia Editor
ReutersLast month, the Trump administration suggested the idea of a 30-day all-encompassing fire.
Ukraine agreed. Russia did not. Or, more recently, he came up with a long list of conditions.
Instead of 30 days, the Kremlin decided 30 hours. On Saturday, President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral Easter truce in Ukraine until midnight on Sunday night in Moscow.
He said he was acting by “humanitarian” reasons.
A similar claim has been met with skepticism in Ukraine for more than three years in the war of Russia against the country.
On social media on Sunday morning, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski reports that “the Russian army is trying to create the overall impression of cessation of fire, while in some areas it still continues isolated attempts to progress and losses Ukraine.”
The Russian Ministry of Defense took a different opinion.
A statement said that “all Russian troops in the area of the special military operation (Russia's mandate for the invasion of Ukraine) from 18:00 Moscow on April 19 strictly adhere to the regime of termination and occupy their current positions.”
The Russian military also accused Ukraine of breaking the truce.
The termination of the fire of Russia is just PR by Vladimir Putin?
Or is it a real step towards ending war?
The skeptical opinion is that the 30-hour truce is less for a demand for peace and has more to do with maintaining good relations with Trump's White House. After Donald Trump's return to the Oval Cabinet, Putin is busy trying to fix relationships with Washington and pave the way for a new era of cooperation.
However, recent public comments from US officials (including Trump itself) suggest that the US administration is increasing by a lack of progress in Ukraine. Trump has threatened to move away from attempts to mediate a peace transaction if the agreement seems unlikely.
By announcing a unilateral truce – though short – the Kremlin can claim that it is Russia – not Ukraine – this is committed to peace. Moscow is already blaming Kiev for disruption of fire termination and continues to fight.
Keep in mind that this short reconciliary was announced in a very short time. Saturday's message will give some time for both countries – Russia or Ukraine – to prepare entirely for it.
But there is a more optimistic look.
The Kremlin's Easter truce was a surprise. But it didn't appear from nothing.
In recent weeks, there has been an intensive international diplomacy to try to end the fighting.
Trump's envoy Steve Vikof has met Putin three times in two months. Recently, Kremlin leader's envoy Kiril Dmitriev flew to Washington recently.
A few days ago, Vitcof and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio were in Paris to talk to Ukraine with President Emanuel Macron. A delegation from Ukraine was also there.
Can there be a rare window of peace opportunities?
Despite the reports on the continuation of the battles, can a 30-hour termination of fire somehow grow into something more substantial, more comprehensive?
After showing a little desire for compromises or discounts so far, can Putin be convinced that now is the time to conclude a deal?
It's hard to see this right now.
Then again, when it comes to diplomacy, we are not secret to all the conversations behind closed doors or the details of the possible transactions that are being discussed.
We tend to see only the tip of the iceberg – which leaves open the possibility of more unexpected messages.