Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday called for a 30-day ceasefire from Russian missile and drone strikes on civilian targets, accusing Russia of maintaining its attacks despite announcing an Easter ceasefire.
Up until now, since morning, the Russian military broke Putin’s ceasefire over two thousand times. There have already been 67 Russian attacks on our positions in all directions, with the maximum in the Pokrovsk direction. In all, there were 1,355 instances of Russian shelling, 713 of which were by heavy weapons,” Zelenskyy reported in a post on X.
Ceasefire Breaches During Active Conflict
Zelenskyy condemned what he called Russia’s insincere move after announcing an Easter truce. He accused Moscow of making the announcement for public show while forging ahead with attacks on Ukrainian forces.
If Russia refuses to accept such a move, it will be evidence that it will continue to do only what ruins human lives and extends the war,” Zelenskyy said, implying that refusal of the offer would further reveal Russia’s belligerent intent.”.
Even in his criticism, Zelenskyy mentioned that, “It was a good thing, at least, that there were no air raid sirens,” marking a short spell of aerial tranquility.
Russia Denies Breach, Blames Ukraine for Escalation
Conversely, Russia’s Defence Ministry asserted that its troops “strictly observed the ceasefire.” It blamed Ukrainian forces for shelling Russian positions during the night in the Donetsk region.
“Notwithstanding the declaration of the Easter truce, Ukrainian forces by night made attempts to attack” Russia’s positions, the ministry stated. Moscow also accused Kyiv of firing hundreds of drones and artillery shells that killed civilians.
US Involvement and Global Ceasefire Efforts
The Easter truce offer followed months of diplomatic pressure, mainly from US President Donald Trump, who had been calling for the two sides to negotiate a ceasefire. Trump, though, warned on Friday that the US would withdraw from the talks unless there was movement.
While both parties accused each other at the weekend, the appeal for a 30-day halt by Zelenskyy marks an ongoing bid for a peaceful solution—if met in good faith.
