President Putin announced a 32-hour Easter weekend ceasefire and urged Russian forces to halt hostilities until the end of Sunday, with Zelensky saying Ukraine would honor the truce but would respond in kind to violations.

Across multiple fronts, clashes and casualties continued as drone and missile strikes hit Kherson, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and Mykolaiv, damaging infrastructure and harming civilians.

The United States has been mediating talks between Moscow and Kyiv, but past ceasefires have largely failed, prompting focus shifts amid broader Middle East conflicts and stalled negotiations.

A commentary notes U.S. policy hinges on allies who take pride in their culture, while Europe would need reform to align with American strategic aims, a theme echoed in G7 discussions.

The live blog touches on Hungary’s election coverage and wider EU negotiations and sanctions involving Hungary and Slovakia.

A geopolitics feature from Caen highlights regional leadership in Normandy aiming to position the region as a hub for geopolitical dialogue and youth education on conflict resolution.

The initial report is from dpa, with indications that more information would follow.

A high-ranking officer retains lieutenant general rank and remains central to negotiations and humanitarian efforts related to detainee exchanges.

Related developments include a Russian raid on Nova skriva Gazeta offices; submarine monitoring near Atlantic cables; and humanitarian/diplomatic news involving Memorial NGO and OECD aid trends.

Trump pledged to secure oil for the U.S. amid energy disruptions, urging nations to buy American oil and safeguard Hormuz Strait transit routes.

US Vice President JD Vance criticized EU interference in Hungary’s elections and defended Viktor Orban as a key ally against foreign influence.