Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Faking Ceasefire

Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Faking Ceasefire as Attacks Persist

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia on Sunday of pretending to honor an Easter ceasefire while continuing attacks.

He said Russian forces launched 59 shelling incidents, five assaults, and dozens of drone strikes despite a truce announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

What Happened?

On Saturday, Putin declared a 30-hour “Easter truce” starting at 6 p.m.

Moscow time, citing humanitarian reasons. The ceasefire was meant to pause all military actions until midnight Sunday. Zelenskyy said Russia violated the truce, creating a “false impression” of peace while advancing in some areas. He reported 387 shellings and 19 assaults in the first six hours alone.

Why Is This Happening?

Zelenskyy suggested Russia’s actions are either due to Putin’s lack of control over his army or a deliberate public relations stunt.

He believes Russia wants favorable media coverage without genuine peace efforts. Ukraine offered to extend the truce for 30 days, but Moscow has not agreed. The U.S. has been pushing for a longer ceasefire, which Ukraine supports, but Russia has rejected.

Background

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, has killed or injured hundreds of thousands, mostly soldiers.

Ceasefire attempts, like one in January 2023, have failed due to mutual distrust. Recent U.S.-led talks have stalled, and Putin’s sudden truce announcement followed warnings from the Trump administration about waning patience.

Russia’s Reaction

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its forces followed the ceasefire. It accused Ukraine of breaking the truce, alleging 444 Ukrainian attacks on Russian positions and 900 drone strikes.

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Russia said civilians were killed and injured but provided no details. Moscow has not responded to Ukraine’s 30-day truce proposal.

Both sides remain skeptical, and fighting continues along Ukraine’s front lines.

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