Kyiv, Ukraine – President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of only seeking positive PR after Russia allegedly violated the Easter truce announced by Putin. The ceasefire, initially set to last 30 hours, came without prior warning from Putin, who ordered all military activity to halt until Monday morning.
There were reports of increased attacks by Russian forces as Sunday progressed, despite a temporary slowdown in fighting overnight. While Ukraine agreed to the truce, there has been continuous combat since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Putin’s decision to announce a truce raised doubts in Ukraine, especially following previous rejections of peace efforts. The brief halt in hostilities came shortly after the Trump administration warned of abandoning peace talks without substantial progress.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky criticized Russia for escalating shelling and drone use after the ceasefire was declared. He expressed doubts about Putin’s control over his military, questioning Russia’s commitment to ending the war.
The Ukrainian 66th mechanized brigade reported suspicious activities by Russian troops during the ceasefire, raising concerns about potential military advancements. Zelensky highlighted an increase in Russian assaults and use of heavy weapons, contradicting Russia’s claims of strictly adhering to the truce.
Despite Ukraine’s calls for a 30-day ceasefire, Russia’s defense ministry accused Ukrainian units of violating the temporary truce over a thousand times. The ongoing conflict in the Kursk region saw continued artillery strikes and drone attacks, with Ukrainian forces responding to enemy actions accordingly.
Zelensky reiterated the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, emphasizing a willingness to comply with limited firing orders against Russian troops. However, he made it clear that Ukrainian forces would retaliate if provoked, highlighting the delicate balance of maintaining peace while defending against aggression.
As tensions persist between Ukraine and Russia, the prospects for a lasting ceasefire remain uncertain. Both sides have accused each other of breaching the truce, underscoring the challenges of achieving peace amidst ongoing hostilities.