Russia and Ukraine alleged to violate 30-hour Easter truce announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin AFP Report.
The ceasefire was scheduled to commemorate the religious holiday on Saturday night, but both sides reported ongoing hostilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that despite the truce, Russia carried out “hundreds of shelling and drone attacks” along the frontline. “The Ukrainian army is acting and will continue to act in the absolute mirror of Russia.” Zelensky also renewed the call for a 30-day ceasefire.
Although Ukrainian troops pointed to a decrease in activity, Russia claimed it had “repelled” Ukrainian attacks and accused Kief of targeting his post in Donetsk with drones and artillery. The Russian Defense Ministry said: “Despite an Easter truce, Ukrainian forces attempted to attack at night,” insisted that the Russian army “strickenly observed a ceasefire.”
In Kostynivka, rescue service said a man and a woman were killed in Russian shelling the day before. Meanwhile, two civilians were reportedly injured in the Russian-occupied Donetsk Gorlovka.
Putin’s truce order comes after months of mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently warned that talks would be stopped if the booths were progressed. On the ground, Ukrainian soldiers observed less fighting.
A drone commander said Russia’s activities “a considerable reduction in both the Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regions” despite some minor attacks. “He added: “Today, soldiers (soldiers) will die. ”
“Russian artillery does not work. It’s quiet compared to the conventional day,” Ukrainian junior lieutenant Sergiy reported. He added that the Ukrainian army was defensive and only responded when it caused a provocation.
AFP reporter reported that there were fewer explosions in eastern Ukraine. Zelensky said that despite Putin’s announcement of a truce for “humanitarian reasons”, he said Ukraine was ready to comply with and expanded the 30-day pause offer, which he claimed had received no response from Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed there was no extension order.
In Kyiv, doubts about Russian intentions remain high. “They have broken their promises,” said resident Olga Grachova. Meanwhile, in Moscow, some citizens expressed hope for peace despite the ongoing conflict.
