Attacks Continue Despite Putin's 'Easter Truce' Pledge, Zelensky Says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russian forces had continued their attacks throughout the country despite President Vladimir Putin's declaration of a 36-hour ceasefire for Orthodox Easter. In light of reports of shelling and drone strikes coming from multiple frontline regions, Kyiv dismissed the alleged truce, which was supposed to begin at midnight on April 19 and last until April 21. On April 18, Putin issued an order to temporarily suspend hostilities in honor of Orthodox Easter, a significant religious holiday celebrated by both Ukrainians and Russians. This announcement was made by the Kremlin. The ceasefire, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, was a "unilateral humanitarian gesture" to permit Christians to attend church. But officials in Ukraine rejected the idea right away, claiming that Russia could not be trusted after months of relentless attacks on civilian infrastructure. Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's foreign minister, stated, "This is not a truce, but another attempt to buy time for regrouping and reinforcement." Zelensky discusses the ongoing attacks by Russia. Despite Moscow's assertions, Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian strikes continued in the Donetsk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv regions. In his nightly video address, Zelensky said that Russia had broken its own ceasefire within hours. Zelensky made the following statement: "The enemy shelled Kherson today, as the world celebrates Orthodox Easter, killing and injuring civilians." While their missiles are aimed at our homes and churches, they discuss religious principles and peace. Local officials confirmed that at least three civilians were killed by Russian attacks during the alleged truce. Zaporizhzhia's energy facilities were targeted by drones, and Donetsk's residential areas were hit by artillery fire, further straining Ukraine's already stretched power grid. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, characterized the ceasefire announcement as "disingenuous" after NATO allies and the United States expressed doubts about Russia's sincerity. There are a few possible explanations for Putin's move, according to analysts. Propaganda Tool: Russia wanted to show that it was the more "reasonable" side by blaming Ukraine for rejecting peace and declaring a ceasefire. The refusal was presented by state-controlled media as evidence that Kyiv was unwilling to negotiate. Reorganization of the military: Some experts say that Russia used the pause to strengthen weak positions, especially those around Bakhmut, where Ukrainian forces have been slowly encroaching. By timing the truce around Easter, Moscow may have hoped to stymie Western arms deliveries or preparations for the Ukrainian counteroffensive. Ukraine's Response to Demands for More Weapons Oleksii Reznikov, the country's Defense Minister, stated that the military would not relax and that the country's forces would remain on high alert. He stated, "We have seen too many Russian promises broken." "Our troops are prepared for any circumstance." Zelensky reiterated his request that Western weapons, such as battle tanks, long-range missiles, and advanced air defense systems, be delivered more quickly. He stated, "Every delay in aid costs Ukrainian lives." "To put an end to this war as soon as possible, we need these tools." Energy and Civilian Toll Attacks Russia's ongoing strikes have made the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine even worse, particularly its numerous attacks on power plants. As a result of ongoing emergency blackouts in many areas, millions of people continue to lack stable electricity. Residents of Kherson, which was liberated in November but is still frequently bombarded, described a night of terror as Russian forces bombarded the city, despite the alleged ceasefire. A local volunteer stated, "There was no pause, no truce—just more death." There is no way out. The grave lack of trust that exists between Kiev and Moscow is demonstrated by the Easter truce's failure. No serious peace talks are going on right now. Instead of retreating in response to Ukraine's demands for a complete Russian withdrawal, Putin has increased the number of conscripts and the production of weapons. The international community is still divided about how to respond as the war enters its second year. Some European leaders advocate for harsher sanctions, while others express concern that the situation will deteriorate. In the meantime, the Ukrainian military maintains that sustained Western support is necessary for victory. Conclusion.

Russian forces continued their assaults despite Putin's Easter ceasefire appearing to be nothing more than a tactical move. The message to Ukrainians is clear: do not rely on Moscow's claims. The world is watching to see if additional military assistance or diplomatic pressure can finally stop the killings. As long as the fighting goes on, there will be no peace.