Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of undermining a declared Easter ceasefire, alleging continued attacks despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a unilateral truce. The accusations highlight the fragile nature of attempts too de-escalate the conflict during a significant religious holiday.

Zelenskyy’s Allegations

President Zelenskyy took to X to voice his concerns,stating,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. He suggested that while a general ceasefire was being portrayed, specific aggressive actions persisted.

Details of Alleged violations

Despite Putin’s ceasefire declaration on Saturday, Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian forces had recorded significant violations. These included 59 instances of Russian shelling,five assaults by units along the front line,and numerous drone strikes. The situation appeared to intensify later in the day.

Zelenskyy noted an increase in Russian shelling and drone attacks after 10 a.m. (0700 GMT), despite Ukraine’s declared symmetrical approach to Russian actions. He did, however, acknowledge a positive aspect: a good thing, at least, that there were no air raid sirens.

Zelenskyy’s Interpretation of Events

The Ukrainian president offered two possible explanations for the alleged violations. He suggested that either Putin lacks complete control over his military, or that Russia is insincere about ending the war and is instead focused on favorable PR coverage.

He emphasized the need for Russia to fully adhere to the ceasefire conditions and reiterated Ukraine’s offer to extend the truce for 30 days,starting midnight Sunday. This proposal remains on the table, with Ukraine prepared to act in accordance with the actual situation on the ground.

Previous Statements and Context

On Saturday night, zelenskyy had noted a decrease in activity in some areas following the ceasefire announcement. he attributed this to Putin’s direct influence,stating,As soon as Putin gave an order to scale back the attacks,the intensity of strikes and killings dropped. The only source of this war and it’s prolongation is in Russia.

russia’s Counter-Accusations

Russia’s Defense Ministry presented a diffrent viewpoint, claiming that Ukrainian forces launched overnight attacks in the Donetsk region despite the ceasefire. They also alleged that 48 drones were sent into Russian territory, resulting in dead and wounded among the civilian population, though specific details were not provided. The ministry asserted that Russian troops had strictly observed the ceasefire.

Russia-installed officials in the partially occupied Kherson region echoed these claims, stating that Ukrainian forces continued their attacks.

Putin’s Easter Observance

Shortly after announcing the ceasefire, Putin attended an Easter service late Saturday at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The service was led by Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church and a vocal supporter of Putin and the war in ukraine.

Ceasefire Details and Ambiguities

The Kremlin stated that the ceasefire would last from 6 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on saturday to midnight (2100 GMT) following Easter Sunday. However, Putin’s announcement lacked details on monitoring mechanisms and whether the truce would encompass airstrikes and ongoing ground battles.

Background: U.S. Involvement

Putin’s ceasefire announcement followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump on friday, who stated that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are coming to a head and insisted that neither side is playing him in his efforts to end the conflict.