Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Faking a Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Attacks: What You Need to Know

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of pretending to honor a ceasefire during Easter while continuing its attacks. After Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary truce, Zelenskyy said the reality on the ground told a different story.

"On Easter morning, it seems like the Russian army is trying to give the impression of a ceasefire. However, in some areas, they are still attacking and causing damage," Zelenskyy shared on social media.

Despite the declared ceasefire, reports indicated that Ukrainian forces detected 59 instances of Russian shelling and five assault attempts. Drone strikes were also reported, raising concerns about the seriousness of Russia’s commitment to peace.

Zelenskyy noted some Ukrainian troops fell victim to a Russian ambush in the Donetsk region. He pledged that the soldiers responsible will face consequences.

On the other side, Russia’s Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of launching attacks during the night, claiming that 48 drones were sent into Russian territory, leading to civilian casualties. They asserted that Russian forces adhered to the ceasefire terms.

In addition, Russian officials in the occupied region of Kherson alleged fresh attacks from Ukrainian forces. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Russia to fully comply with the ceasefire and reiterated Ukraine’s offer to extend the truce by 30 days. However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted that Russia has yet to respond to this proposal.

Zelenskyy raised concerns that Putin might not control his military. He suggested that the situation reveals Russia’s true intention: to gain favorable public relations instead of genuinely seeking peace.

Just after announcing the ceasefire, Putin attended an Easter service in Moscow, receiving support from the Russian Orthodox Church, which has backed the war.

There was no clarity from Putin about how the ceasefire would be enforced, particularly regarding airstrikes and ongoing ground battles.

In a broader context, U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are intensifying. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department affirmed its commitment to achieving a comprehensive ceasefire. Encouraging discussions about peace were held recently in Paris, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio communicated with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

As the conflict drags on, many hope for clearer steps towards peace, looking closely at how both nations will respond in the coming days.

For ongoing updates, follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at AP News.

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