KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of violating the recently announced Easter ceasefire, claiming that Moscow launched hundreds of attacks within the first few hours of the temporary truce.
The 30-hour ceasefire, declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, was intended to pause hostilities from Saturday 6:00 PM Moscow time until midnight Sunday. However, Zelensky reported that in just six hours, Russian forces conducted 387 shellings, 19 ground assaults, and used 290 drones across Ukrainian territory. Fortunately, no casualties were confirmed.
Despite reduced activity on some frontlines, air raid sirens were triggered in Kyiv shortly after the ceasefire began. Ukrainian military officials also reported continued Russian aggression in key battlegrounds like Kharkiv and Donetsk, while explosions were also noted in Russian-occupied Donetsk. In response, Russia deployed a missile-equipped warship to the Black Sea, escalating regional tensions.
Zelensky criticized Moscow for creating only a superficial illusion of peace, stating that the truce was never fully honored. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s support for a U.S.-backed 30-day unconditional ceasefire—a proposal previously rejected by the Kremlin.
The ceasefire followed weeks of diplomatic pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned of scaling back support if no tangible progress was seen.
In a rare positive gesture, Ukraine and Russia carried out a significant prisoner exchange, each releasing 246 detainees, including injured soldiers. The deal was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates and marks one of the largest swaps in recent months.
This failed ceasefire highlights the ongoing struggle to secure meaningful peace in the region, as the full-scale Russian invasion enters its third year.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE