Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
MOSCOW/KYIV – Russia and Ukraine have traded accusations over the breakdown of a unilateral Easter truce declared by President Vladimir Putin. Each nation alleged hundreds of violations by the opposing side, while the Kremlin indicated there would be no extension to the cessation of hostilities.
Ceasefire Collapse and Mutual Accusations
President Putin, who initiated the military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022, had instructed Russian forces to halt all combat operations along the front lines for the duration of Easter Sunday, marking a temporary pause in the ongoing three-year conflict.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, as reported by TASS news agency, stated that no directive from Putin to prolong the ceasefire had been issued.
The U.S. State Department in Washington expressed that it would welcome a continuation of the truce.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha suggested that Moscow’s actions in the coming days would “reveal Russia’s true attitude toward U.S. peace efforts” and a proposed 30-day ceasefire initiative.
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Zelenskyy’s Accusations and Proposed Extension
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that Russia was merely feigning adherence to the Easter ceasefire. He reported that Russian forces had perpetrated hundreds of artillery strikes on Saturday night and continued assaults on Sunday.
President Zelenskyy stated on platform X that Russia had launched 67 attacks between midnight and 8 p.m. local time.
“Either Putin lacks complete command over his military, or this situation demonstrates Russia’s lack of sincere intent to end the war, seeking only favorable public relations,” Zelenskyy posted.
“However, there were no air raid alerts today. This indicates a form of ceasefire that has been achieved and is readily extendable,” he remarked, proposing that Russia cease drone and missile attacks on civilian areas for a minimum of 30 days.
Zelenskyy further stated that Russia’s refusal to agree to this would serve as proof of its intention to persist with actions that cause fatalities and prolong the conflict.
Russian Counter- обвинения
The Russian Defense Ministry countered, claiming that Ukraine had violated the ceasefire over 1,000 times, resulting in damage to infrastructure and civilian casualties.
Dim Prospects for Lasting Peace
The apparent failure of even an Easter ceasefire underscores the significant difficulties in achieving a durable peace agreement, even with potential efforts from U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite the setbacks, President Trump remained optimistic on Sunday, expressing “hope” that the two sides could reach a deal “this week” to resolve the conflict.
On Friday, President Trump, along with his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, indicated that the U.S. would withdraw from peace initiatives unless tangible progress was evident in the near future.