The temporary ceasefire is over. In 30 hours, the Ukrainian armed forces could not prepare for anything serious. The 30-day ceasefire proposed by Zelensky is quite a different matter.
In a month, a talented military commander can do so much that the enemy will then spend half a year trying to cope with the “results of the ceasefire”. So the resumption of hostilities was expected. We can summarize some of the results.
The Kremlin may well declare a ceasefire (understandably for its own benefit, but nevertheless), and this has now been tested in practice. Controlling a ceasefire on the front line is extremely difficult, maybe almost impossible. Control of heavy weapons has been quite successful and there have been no long-range strikes deep into the Ukrainian defenses.
It is encouraging that both sides rushed to remove their fallen from the battlefield wherever possible and did not fire on the enemy’s evacuation teams. That is, it became obvious that such a thing can be repeated – the good will of junior commanders is present. If you make an effort, this could be the beginning of a very long process – building a system of military agreements. Yesterday it seemed impossible.
This move feels more like a PR stunt than a real step toward ending the war. Still, even a brief ceasefire can give people a moment of hope.
I pray for everyone affected by this conflict. Even a 30-hour pause is precious if it means fewer casualties and a chance for dialogue.
Let’s not be fooled—short truces like this rarely change the bigger picture. Both sides are just buying time and playing for the cameras.
The image of soldiers pausing near an Orthodox church is powerful. Maybe faith can bring about a real ceasefire someday.
The article makes a good point about Russia testing Western unity. Every move on the battlefield is also a move in the information war.
It’s sad that even during religious holidays, politics come first. I hope both sides use this time to reflect and consider a longer peace.