Russia and Ukraine Trade Accusations Over Ceasefire Violations on Easter
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating a temporary Easter ceasefire that was declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin over the weekend. Despite the one-day truce, which lasted until midnight Sunday Moscow time (2100 GMT), both sides reported thousands of attacks and alleged violations.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed there would be no extension of the ceasefire. "There were no other commands," he told Russia’s TASS news agency when asked if the pause could be prolonged. Putin, who launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, had ordered a 24-hour halt in military operations along the front line as Orthodox Christians marked Easter.
U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden’s administration, welcomed the brief pause and expressed hope that it could be extended. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also reiterated Kyiv's readiness to observe a full 30-day truce. However, he said Ukraine would only mirror Russian actions and respond proportionally if Moscow resumed strikes.
“We will respond to silence with silence,” Zelenskiy said in a Telegram post. “Our strikes will be only in response to Russian attacks.”
Despite a day without air raid sirens in Ukraine on Sunday, missile and drone alerts returned early Monday, with the Ukrainian Air Force warning of threats in the eastern and southeastern regions. Zelenskiy reported that Russia had violated its own ceasefire nearly 3,000 times, including numerous shelling and assault operations, particularly near the embattled eastern town of Pokrovsk.
On Sunday night, Zelenskiy suggested the absence of air raid warnings indicated some success in achieving a temporary ceasefire, and called on Russia to extend the break from missile and drone attacks on civilians for at least 30 days. Should Russia refuse, he said, it would demonstrate a continued intent to escalate the war and inflict civilian harm.
In a separate Easter message, Zelenskiy encouraged Ukrainians to remain hopeful about the eventual return of peace. Standing before Saint Sophia’s Cathedral in Kyiv in traditional embroidered clothing, he said, “We know what we are defending. We know what we are fighting for.”
Russia’s Defence Ministry, meanwhile, accused Ukraine of more than 1,000 ceasefire violations, claiming that Kyiv’s forces launched over 900 drone attacks—including strikes on Crimea and Russia’s border regions of Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod—and fired on Russian positions over 400 times. The ministry said civilians were killed and infrastructure damaged in the attacks.
Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield reports from either side.
The failure to uphold even a short Easter ceasefire highlights the difficulty ahead for any lasting peace deal, particularly one pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Still, Trump struck a hopeful tone on Sunday, saying he believed a breakthrough could come “this week.”
Last month, Ukraine accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire plan, but Putin cited unresolved verification issues. Both sides agreed to pause attacks on energy infrastructure and maritime targets, but each accuses the other of breaking that pledge.
As negotiations continue, Ukrainian officials said a minerals deal with the U.S. could be finalized soon, while Washington considers easing some sanctions on Russia’s energy sector—if Moscow agrees to meaningful de-escalation.
Despite signs of reduced activity along the front line, Ukrainian troops remain skeptical. “There is no indication of a ceasefire,” said Dmytro, 24, of the 93rd Kholodnyi Yar brigade. Another soldier, Serhii, 22, added, “It’s just for show. Nothing has changed.”
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