Zelensky Accuses Russia of Violating Easter Truce While Projecting Illusion of Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of crafting an “impression” of a ceasefire, while continuing offensive military actions in various regions of Ukraine.
His remarks came during the early hours of the so-called “Easter truce,” declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Within the first six hours of the truce, Zelensky reported 387 shellings, 19 assaults, and the use of drones 290 times by Russian forces, although there were no immediate reports of casualties.
The truce, as ordered by Putin, was to begin at 18:00 Moscow time on Saturday and last until midnight on Sunday. Kyiv agreed to observe the ceasefire as well. However, conflicting accounts quickly emerged.
While Russia’s defence ministry claimed full compliance by its forces, it accused Ukraine of violating the agreement, alleging 444 attacks on Russian positions, 900 UAV strikes, 12 shellings, 33 drone strikes, and seven munition drops. They reported casualties among civilians but offered no further details.
On Sunday morning, Zelensky reiterated his claims, stating Moscow was “trying to create a general impression of a ceasefire, but in some places it does not abandon individual attempts to advance and inflict losses on Ukraine.” He affirmed that “everywhere our warriors are responding as the enemy deserves, based on the specific combat situation.”
Although the truce announcement came just minutes before taking effect—casting doubt on its full implementation—the BBC noted a quieter atmosphere on Ukraine’s front lines. Still, attacks reportedly continued in select areas despite initial calm.
