rki.news
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian forces of flagrantly violating a unilateral Easter ceasefire declared by President Vladimir Putin, citing hundreds of strikes and assaults across multiple fronts.
In a statement shared via Telegram on Sunday, Zelenskyy said, “The Russian army is attempting to create the illusion of a ceasefire, while continuing isolated advances and attacks aimed at inflicting losses on Ukraine.” Despite the Kremlin’s announcement of a ceasefire lasting through midnight Sunday, Ukrainian military reports indicated 46 Russian assaults and 901 shelling incidents — 448 involving heavy weaponry — since Saturday night.
According to Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Russia deployed first-person view (FPV) drones over 400 times. Ukrainian troops also suffered casualties in an ambush in the Toretsk region. Zelenskyy pledged that Ukraine would respond proportionally in key conflict zones, including Kursk, Belgorod, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk.
While reiterating Ukraine’s commitment to peace, Zelenskyy demanded Russia’s full compliance with the ceasefire and urged an extension of the truce for 30 days. “Ukraine, along with its partners, remains committed to pursuing peace constructively — but we require reciprocal readiness from Russia,” he stated.
In contrast, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its forces “strictly observed” the ceasefire and blamed Ukraine for initiating 444 attacks and launching over 900 drones overnight. The ministry also alleged civilian casualties and infrastructure damage due to Ukrainian strikes.
Tensions between the two sides remain high following last week’s deadly missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy during Palm Sunday celebrations, which killed over 30 and injured 117 — one of the war’s deadliest recent incidents.
As accusations fly from both capitals, hopes for a sustained truce remain dim amid continued violence and mutual distrust.