Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has blamed Russian troops for breaking the Easter ceasefire announced by President Vladimir Putin, terming it a “sham” as fighting went on along the frontline. On Saturday evening, Putin had called for a temporary ceasefire until midnight on Sunday in celebration of Orthodox Easter. But Zelenskyy said Russian forces were still launching attacks and shelling Ukrainian positions.
“Even attempting to fake a ceasefire, Russia continued to conduct offensive operations in certain directions,” Zelenskyy wrote in a social media update on Sunday morning. He added that there were hundreds of shelling incidents last night, followed by 59 shelling episodes and five attempts at assault early Sunday.
The military of Ukraine acknowledged a slowdown in front-line operations but stressed that the combat was not completely ceased. “It’s more silent, but not calm,” declared Viktor Trehubov, an eastern front spokesperson.
In addition, at least three explosions were heard in Russian-occupied Donetsk early Sunday morning, according to Russian news outlets. The reports remain unverified.
The ceasefire effort came after new US pressure for peace negotiations, as President Donald Trump threatened to back out of negotiations if both parties are not serious. Trump also indicated a shift in policy that is more friendly to Moscow.
Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to accept a 30-day ceasefire but cautioned that Kyiv would retaliate in kind against further Russian aggression. The European Union cautiously welcomed the ceasefire, and the United Nations reiterated its support for a peaceful resolution with respect to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In his Easter message, Zelenskyy called on Ukrainians to remain hopeful and united. “We know what we are defending and for whom,” he said, wearing traditional clothing in front of Kyiv’s historic Saint Sophia Cathedral.
