Russia and Ukraine exchanged accusations over the violation of a 30-hour Easter ceasefire that was set to begin on Saturday evening in observance of the religious holiday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alleged that Russia launched “hundreds of shelling and drone attacks” along the front lines despite the declared truce. “The Ukrainian military is responding in kind to Russian actions,” he stated, while also reiterating a proposal for a broader 30-day ceasefire.
Although Ukrainian forces noted a general decline in enemy activity, Russian authorities claimed they had repelled Ukrainian offensives and accused Kyiv of attacking their positions in Donetsk with artillery and drones. The Russian defense ministry asserted that their troops “strictly observed the ceasefire,” despite Ukrainian attempts to engage overnight.
In the town of Kostyantynivka, rescue officials reported the deaths of a man and a woman due to Russian shelling the previous day. Separately, two civilians were reportedly wounded in Gorlovka, located in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region.
The ceasefire declaration by Russian President Vladimir Putin followed extended diplomatic efforts led by US President Donald Trump, who recently hinted at withdrawing from mediation if talks remain unproductive. On the battlefield, Ukrainian troops acknowledged a relative calm.
A Ukrainian drone unit commander noted a marked reduction in Russian activity in both Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv, commenting that fewer soldiers would lose their lives that day. Junior Lieutenant Sergiy also observed that “Russian artillery is quiet compared to usual” and emphasized that Ukrainian forces were maintaining a defensive posture, only retaliating when provoked.
Journalists in eastern Ukraine reported fewer explosions than usual. While Putin cited “humanitarian reasons” for initiating the truce, Zelensky confirmed Ukraine’s willingness to comply and called again for a 30-day cessation of hostilities—a proposal that, according to him, has yet to elicit any response from Moscow. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that no extension of the ceasefire had been authorized.
Public opinion in Kyiv remained distrustful of Russia’s intentions. “They’ve already broken their promise,” said local resident Olga Grachova. However, some in Moscow still held out hope for a peaceful resolution despite ongoing violence.
