Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of violating its own announced Easter ceasefire nearly 3,000 times. The Russian promise of a temporary truce, aimed at humanitarian reasons for the Easter holiday, fell short of expectations according to Zelensky. He highlighted the significant number of Russian attacks during the truce, revealing that Russia carried out 2,935 violations, including over 950 drone strikes and intense shelling along the frontline.
Zelensky’s statement on X detailed the scope of Russia’s assaults, focusing on the Pokrovsk and Kursk areas where the heaviest attacks occurred. “There were 96 Russian assaults, 1,882 shelling instances, and 812 heavy artillery strikes,” Zelensky said, condemning the Russian actions despite the truce.
In a move to further promote peace, Zelensky proposed extending the ceasefire for an additional 30 days. He suggested a mutual cessation of long-range strikes on civilian infrastructure, arguing that this gesture would give peace a chance. However, he added that Russia’s refusal to agree would confirm its intent to prolong the war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initially announced the ceasefire, which was meant to last from Saturday to Sunday midnight, under the premise of “humanitarian reasons.” However, tensions escalated as both sides accused each other of violations, with Moscow claiming to have repelled Ukrainian attacks and Kyiv accusing Russia of continued frontline assaults.
Despite these ongoing violations, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s stance that their actions would remain proportional and defensive. “Russian strikes will be met with our own in defense. Actions speak louder than words,” he affirmed.
As the war enters its second year, the Easter truce and the proposed extension reflect the continuing diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the violence. However, with both sides blaming each other, the road to peace remains fraught with challenges.
