In a fresh escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russian troops continued to launch attacks even during the purported 30-hour Easter cease-fire, casting doubt on Moscow’s commitment to peace.
### Truce Unraveled: Ukraine Accuses Russia of Breaching Cease-Fire
### Truce Unraveled: Ukraine Accuses Russia of Breaching Cease-Fire
Ukrainian President Zelensky warns of ongoing aggression from Russian forces despite announced holiday cease-fire intentions.
The narrative surrounding the Easter cease-fire took a dramatic turn as Ukrainian officials unveiled evidence of continued Russian military operations. On April 20, 2025, President Zelensky reported artillery fire and drone usage by Russian troops, despite official orders from President Vladimir Putin to halt all hostilities for the holiday period. The cease-fire, meant to symbolize goodwill, witnessed an alarming number of offensive actions from the Russian side, with nearly 450 artillery rounds fired and more than 300 drone missions documented, primarily within the first hours after the truce was enacted.
Zelensky expressed skepticism regarding Putin's intentions, suggesting that the cease-fire was more about creating a false sense of peace than a genuine effort to cease hostilities. “As we observe Easter morning, we can confidently state that the Russian Army is attempting to project an image of cease-fire while continuing attacks in several locations,” he noted.
The timing of Putin’s announcement raised eyebrows internationally, arriving shortly after criticism from the Trump administration regarding Russia's reluctance to accept a longer cease-fire agreement proposed by Ukraine in March. Amid international pressures and dwindling patience from U.S. officials, the Easter truce seemed to serve Moscow's agenda more than Ukraine's.
In contrast, Zelensky stated that Ukraine would mirror Russian actions: "If they choose aggression, so shall we respond," he emphasized, reiterating a commitment to defend Ukrainian sovereignty aggressively.
As the situation develops, both Ukraine and international observers remain acutely aware of the fragility of cease-fires, particularly in light of historical patterns throughout the prolonged conflict that began with Russia's invasion in February 2022.
Kim Barker is a Times reporter focusing on detailed accounts of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Zelensky expressed skepticism regarding Putin's intentions, suggesting that the cease-fire was more about creating a false sense of peace than a genuine effort to cease hostilities. “As we observe Easter morning, we can confidently state that the Russian Army is attempting to project an image of cease-fire while continuing attacks in several locations,” he noted.
The timing of Putin’s announcement raised eyebrows internationally, arriving shortly after criticism from the Trump administration regarding Russia's reluctance to accept a longer cease-fire agreement proposed by Ukraine in March. Amid international pressures and dwindling patience from U.S. officials, the Easter truce seemed to serve Moscow's agenda more than Ukraine's.
In contrast, Zelensky stated that Ukraine would mirror Russian actions: "If they choose aggression, so shall we respond," he emphasized, reiterating a commitment to defend Ukrainian sovereignty aggressively.
As the situation develops, both Ukraine and international observers remain acutely aware of the fragility of cease-fires, particularly in light of historical patterns throughout the prolonged conflict that began with Russia's invasion in February 2022.
Kim Barker is a Times reporter focusing on detailed accounts of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
