Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Zelenskyy: Russian Forces Immediately Violated Easter Truce
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the announced Russian Easter truce was immediately undermined by Moscow’s forces, citing hundreds of instances of shelling, drone attacks, and ground assaults. According to Zelenskyy, between 6 p.m. and midnight on April 19, Russian forces purportedly launched 387 shelling incidents against Ukrainian positions, conducted 19 assaults, and deployed drones 290 times.
Zelenskyy added, “Overall, as of Easter morning, we can affirm that the Russian military is attempting to project an image of a ceasefire, while in certain areas, it persists with isolated attempts to advance and inflict casualties on Ukraine. Russia must fully adhere to the conditions of the purported ceasefire.”
The Ukrainian leader also stated Ukraine had proposed a potential ceasefire extension, suggesting a “ceasefire for 30 days after midnight tonight remains on the table” starting from midnight on Easter Monday. He affirmed that Ukrainian forces would mirror Russian actions on the ground.
Ukraine’s Skepticism and Prior Position
Prior to this, Ukraine had indicated its readiness to reciprocate any genuine ceasefire initiated by Moscow, but expressed skepticism following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a temporary Easter truce in Ukraine slated to begin on Saturday.
Context: Prisoner Exchange and Ceasefire Timeline
Kyiv’s statement emerged as Russia and Ukraine undertook their largest exchange of prisoners of war since the commencement of Moscow’s full-scale invasion more than three years ago. Putin’s announcement of the temporary Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, set to begin on Saturday, was attributed to humanitarian considerations. The Kremlin detailed that the ceasefire would be in effect from 6:00 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on Saturday to midnight (2100 GMT) after Easter Sunday.
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Lack of Details on Ceasefire Implementation
Putin’s announcement lacked specifics regarding the mechanisms for monitoring the ceasefire or clarification on whether it would include aerial attacks and the persistent ground fighting.
Zelenskyy’s Conditions and Assessment of Russian Intentions
President Zelenskyy stated that if Russia demonstrated a genuine commitment to a full and unconditional ceasefire, Ukraine would reciprocate by adhering to a defensive posture only. He posited that such a measure, especially during the Easter holiday, could illuminate Moscow’s true objectives.
Proposed Extension and Doubts on Long-Term Sincerity
“Should a comprehensive ceasefire genuinely materialize,” Zelenskyy communicated via Telegram, “Ukraine proposes its extension beyond Easter Day on April 20. This extension would reveal Russia‘s true intentions, as 30 hours are sufficient for headlines, but insufficient for establishing genuine confidence-building measures.”