Kyiv, Ukraine (AP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia on Sunday of pretending to observe an Easter ceasefire while launching attacks despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a temporary truce.
Zelenskyy stated that the Russian army was attempting to give the impression of a ceasefire but was still carrying out attacks in certain areas. He reported instances of Russian shelling, assaults, and drone strikes along the front line, despite Putin’s ceasefire declaration.
Zelenskyy also mentioned that Ukrainian forces had been attacked by Russian soldiers in the Donetsk region, resulting in casualties. He vowed to eliminate those responsible.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry accused Ukrainian forces of launching attacks in the Donetsk region during the ceasefire and claimed that Ukraine had sent drones into Russian territory. However, they stated that Russian troops had adhered to the truce.
Zelenskyy called for Russia to fully comply with the ceasefire terms and offered to extend the truce for 30 days, but Moscow had not responded to the proposal. He criticized Russia for not showing genuine intentions to end the war.
Putin had attended an Easter service in Moscow after announcing the ceasefire, but did not provide details on how the ceasefire would be monitored. The U.S. expressed commitment to a comprehensive ceasefire and noted positive discussions on peace prospects in Ukraine.
The situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, with ongoing tensions between the two countries despite the ceasefire announcement by Russia.