Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of violating a temporary Easter ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying Moscow is attempting to create a false image of peace while continuing military operations across Ukraine.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) Sunday morning, Zelenskyy said, “The Russian army is trying to give the impression of a ceasefire, but continues to attack in several areas.” He reported 59 incidents of shelling, five ground assaults, and numerous drone strikes by Russian forces, despite Putin’s announcement of a unilateral truce.
Later updates from Zelenskyy highlighted a continued escalation in the use of heavy weaponry by Russian troops. He noted that some Ukrainian soldiers were killed in an ambush in the Donetsk region and vowed that those responsible would be “eliminated.”
While the Ukrainian government declared a mirrored ceasefire in response to Russia’s announcement, officials say Moscow has not abided by the terms. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that Kyiv proposed extending the ceasefire for 30 days, but had received no reply from Russia.
“Either Putin has no real control over his military, or this proves that Russia isn’t genuinely interested in peace—only in improving its image,” Zelenskyy said.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed Ukrainian forces violated the truce with overnight drone attacks in Donetsk and other areas, stating that 48 drones had entered Russian territory and caused civilian casualties. It insisted that Russian troops strictly observed the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Russian-installed officials in occupied parts of Kherson also accused Ukrainian forces of carrying out attacks.
President Putin made the ceasefire announcement shortly before attending an Easter service at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, led by Patriarch Kirill, a strong supporter of both Putin and the war effort. However, no details were provided on how the ceasefire would be enforced or whether it applied to all forms of combat.
The development follows recent remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are “coming to a head,” and dismissed the notion that either side is trying to manipulate him.
The U.S. State Department reiterated on Sunday its support for a “full and comprehensive ceasefire,” noting productive discussions held in Paris earlier in the week. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly discussed the matter with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a phone call.
