Attacks continue despite Putin's 'Easter truce' pledge, Zelensky says

Despite a surprise announcement by Russian President Vladimir Putin declaring a 30-hour "Easter truce," Ukrainian officials have reported continued hostilities across the eastern front, calling into question the sincerity of Moscow's ceasefire pledge. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the truce as a superficial gesture, pointing to ongoing attacks by Russian forces even after the truce supposedly began on Saturday evening.

A Symbolic Gesture or Strategic Deception?

The “Easter truce” was announced to span from 8:00 p.m. on Saturday to midnight on Monday, meant to coincide with the Orthodox Christian celebration of Easter. Moscow portrayed the move as a humanitarian pause, perhaps aimed at softening international criticism and presenting a peaceful facade. Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed that its troops fully adhered to the terms of the truce and blamed Ukraine for not reciprocating, citing alleged drone attacks and shelling by Ukrainian forces in Donetsk, as well as cross-border strikes in Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod regions.

However, President Zelenskyy quickly dismissed these claims, describing them as “disinformation designed for foreign media and mediators.” According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian positions came under artillery fire and drone assaults even after the ceasefire window was set to begin. Reports from the Ukrainian military detailed continued fighting in the eastern Luhansk and Donetsk regions, suggesting that the so-called truce was being violated by Russian troops almost immediately.

“This truce is not a truce. It’s a theatrical performance staged by the Kremlin,” Zelenskyy said in a televised address. “Our cities are still being shelled, our soldiers are still fighting for their lives, and Russia is still trying to destroy us under the guise of diplomacy.”

International Response and Skepticism

Western leaders, including officials from the European Union and the United Kingdom, echoed Zelenskyy's skepticism. They warned that symbolic ceasefires such as this one could be used to manipulate public opinion or regroup militarily. “A real truce requires more than words,” a spokesperson for the European Commission stated. “It requires verified action and a commitment to peace, not strategic deception.”

The timing of the truce also sparked speculation among political analysts. Some viewed it as an attempt by Putin to position himself as open to dialogue, potentially to influence international mediators, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has signaled interest in negotiating peace in the region. Others saw it as a stalling tactic or a propaganda move meant to counterbalance recent setbacks on the battlefield.

Humanitarian Angle and Prisoner Swap

Amid the ongoing violence, a notable humanitarian gesture did occur. Just prior to the truce, Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner exchange brokered by the United Arab Emirates. Dozens of detainees were released by both sides, a rare moment of cooperation that some had hoped would signal a broader willingness to de-escalate.

Nevertheless, the continued fighting overshadowed this gesture. Civilians in frontline regions, particularly in eastern Ukraine, reported no respite from air raid sirens and shelling. Humanitarian groups have urged both sides to commit to longer, verifiable ceasefires to allow aid delivery and civilian evacuations.

Looking Forward

President Zelenskyy called for what he termed a “real Easter truce”—one that would last not 30 hours, but 30 days. He emphasized that such a gesture, if genuine and upheld by both parties, could pave the way for diplomatic efforts and reduce civilian suffering.

“Peace is not made with empty words,” Zelenskyy said. “It is built with real actions. If Russia is truly interested in peace, let them prove it not with staged ceasefires, but with a genuine stop to their aggression.”

For now, the situation on the ground suggests that the war continues unabated, with the Easter truce having little impact beyond the headlines. The international community remains watchful, wary of temporary measures that offer the illusion of peace while the conflict grinds on.