Zelensky Accuses Russia of Ignoring Easter Ceasefire as Fighting Continues
Kyiv, Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the legitimacy of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Easter truce, claiming that Moscow’s forces continued military aggression across multiple frontline regions despite the declared 30-hour ceasefire.
Putin had announced a temporary ceasefire to coincide with Orthodox Easter, running from 6:00 p.m. Saturday to midnight Sunday, in what would have been the longest pause in the fighting since the war began in 2022. However, Zelensky, citing a report from Ukraine’s military command, said Russian troops fired 59 shells and launched five ground assaults after the truce commenced.
"Russia is Trying to Fake Peace," Zelensky Claims
In a social media post early Sunday, Zelensky revealed that in just six hours before midnight Saturday, Russian forces launched 387 artillery strikes, 19 assaults, and deployed drones 290 times. While Ukraine’s air force reported no fresh missile attacks on Sunday morning, the ground activity contradicted Moscow’s claims of a ceasefire.
“Russia is attempting to give the illusion of a truce while continuing localized attacks to cause Ukrainian losses,” Zelensky said. He emphasized that Ukraine would respond proportionately to all violations.
Russia Alleges Ceasefire Breach by Ukraine
Meanwhile, Russian-backed officials in occupied eastern Ukraine accused Kyiv of breaching the truce, citing Ukrainian shelling in Donetsk and surrounding areas. A RIA Novosti correspondent in Donetsk reported hearing explosions and spotting fire early Sunday.
Putin’s ceasefire proposal followed pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly threatened to pull out of ongoing peace negotiations if no progress was made. On Friday, the Kremlin leader framed the Easter ceasefire as a humanitarian gesture to test Kyiv’s sincerity in pursuing peace.
However, Zelensky extended a counter-proposal, suggesting the truce be expanded to 30 days, saying such a window could offer a genuine chance for peace.
Mixed Reactions to the Truce on Both Sides
The situation has sparked mixed reactions among citizens in both countries. In Kyiv, civilians expressed skepticism about Russia's intentions.
“They’ve already broken their promise,” said Olga Grachova, a 38-year-old vendor. “Unfortunately, we can’t trust Russia today.”
Railway worker Sergiy Klochko, 30, added, “If they agree to a 30-hour truce, let’s extend it to 30 days. Maybe then the killing will stop.”
In Moscow, however, sentiments leaned toward continuing the offensive. “There’s no need to let them regroup. We should press on,” said Yevgeny Pavlov, 58, reflecting a hardline view.
Truce Undermined by History and Mistrust
This is not the first time efforts to pause hostilities during religious holidays have failed. Attempts in April 2022 for Easter and January 2023 for Orthodox Christmas also collapsed due to mutual distrust and ongoing combat.
Zelensky ended his Easter address with a note of resilience: “Evil will retreat, and life will triumph.” As Ukraine marks 1,152 days of war, hopes for peace remain distant amid continuous shelling, failed truces, and wavering international mediation.
