On April 19, 2025, a noteworthy prisoner of war exchange took place between Russia and Ukraine, with both nations reporting the return of over 240 soldiers each. The Russian Defense Ministry announced that a total of 246 Russian soldiers were retrieved from areas controlled by what it referred to as the 'Kyiv regime.' In reciprocity, Ukraine received 246 of its own soldiers who had been held captive.

In a gesture of goodwill, Russia also agreed to hand over 31 wounded Ukrainian prisoners in exchange for 15 Russian prisoners requiring urgent medical attention. This exchange underscores the ongoing complexities and humanitarian dimensions of the conflict, which has seen untold suffering on both sides.

On the same day, Russia's military chief of staff, Valery Gerasimov, reported a significant operational milestone, claiming that Russian forces had recaptured over 99 percent of the territory in the Kursk region that had been seized by Ukraine during an incursion that began in August. Gerasimov informed President Vladimir Putin in a televised meeting that 1,260 square kilometers of land had been 'liberated,' marking a notable development in the ongoing military conflict.

Additionally, President Putin declared a unilateral ceasefire for Easter, which was set to commence at 6 PM Moscow time on Saturday and last until midnight on Sunday. In his announcement, Putin emphasized humanitarian considerations, urging for a pause in military activities during this time. He expressed hope that Ukraine would reciprocate this gesture. However, he also instructed his military to remain vigilant and prepared for potential violations of the truce, indicating an underlying tension that persists despite the temporary halt in hostilities.

Complicating the situation further, Russia's Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of having struck Russian energy infrastructure ten times within a 24-hour period, suggesting a breach of a previous agreement brokered by the United States that called for a 30-day moratorium on such attacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that while a month had elapsed since the agreement's implementation, no new orders from President Putin had been issued to alter Russia's stance regarding the conflict.

Moreover, the Ukrainian air force reported that Russia had conducted an overnight missile and drone assault, launching eight missiles and 87 drones across various regions of Ukraine. In response, Ukrainian air defense systems successfully intercepted 33 drones, while another 36 were neutralized through electronic warfare measures. The air force reported damage across five regions, highlighting the ongoing volatility and dangers that persist in the area, even amidst talks of ceasefires and exchanges.