Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of violating a 30-hour truce, but it comes as diplomatic efforts pick up, Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg writes.

Vladimir Putin did not issue an order to extend the Easter ceasefire, Dmitry Peskov told the TASS agency. Earlier, Volodymyr Zelensky had appealed for an extension of the break in military activities at the front.

The sudden announcement of an "immediate truce" by Vladimir Putin on Holy Saturday surprised the world. Experts, however, see it not as a gesture of goodwill but as a political maneuver that may harm the idea of peace more than support it.