“The Russian army is trying to create a general impression of a ceasefire.” — Zelenskyy
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday accused Russia of violating a unilateral Easter ceasefire declared by President Vladimir Putin, claiming Moscow continued attacks across several front-line regions.
“As of Easter morning, we can say that the Russian army is trying to create a general impression of a ceasefire, but in some places, it does not abandon individual attempts to advance and inflict losses on Ukraine,” Zelenskyy posted on X.
Ukrainian forces reported 59 shelling incidents, five ground assaults, and multiple drone strikes despite the ceasefire. Later updates revealed ongoing use of heavy weaponry by Russian troops. Zelenskyy also reported fatalities among Ukrainian soldiers from a Russian ambush in Donetsk, vowing retaliation.
Russia’s Defense Ministry, however, blamed Ukraine for violating the ceasefire with drone attacks in Donetsk and Russian territory. Moscow claimed full adherence to the truce.
Zelenskyy proposed a 30-day extension of the ceasefire, stating, “Either Putin does not have full control over his army, or… they have no intention of ending the war.”