Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of staging a deceptive Easter ceasefire while continuing to launch attacks across the front line, undermining hopes for a temporary pause in the war.
On Easter Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a unilateral truce, but Ukraine reported 59 instances of shelling, five ground assaults, and dozens of drone strikes by Russian forces. Zelenskyy called out the move as a “false impression of a ceasefire,” noting that Russia was still pushing offensives in certain areas despite its public declaration.
“Either Putin has lost control over his army, or Russia has no real intention of ending the war — only managing its image,” Zelenskyy stated. He highlighted the increasing use of heavy weaponry by Russian forces, though he acknowledged that air raid sirens had not been triggered during the night.
Ukraine had responded with a symmetrical ceasefire and even offered to extend it by 30 days, but according to Ukrainian officials, Russia has yet to respond to the proposal. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed disappointment over Moscow’s silence, suggesting it indicates a lack of genuine interest in peace.
Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry accused Ukraine of violating the truce by launching drone attacks into Russian territory and targeting areas in Donetsk and Kherson. However, the Kremlin did not provide evidence of Ukrainian responsibility or casualty details.
The ceasefire announcement by Putin coincided with his attendance at an Easter service led by Patriarch Kirill in Moscow — a move Zelenskyy dismissed as symbolic rather than sincere.
As international pressure mounts, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with both sides trading blame and doubts growing over Russia’s commitment to peace.