Ukrainian President Zelenskyy says Russia is trying to create an 'impression of a ceasefire' as attacks continue
Share this @internewscast.com

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia on Sunday of creating a false appearance of honoring an Easter ceasefire, saying Moscow continued to launch attacks after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral temporary truce.

“As of Easter morning, we can say that the Russian army is trying to create a general impression of a ceasefire, but in some places, it does not abandon individual attempts to advance and inflict losses on Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X.

Despite Putin’s declaration of an Easter ceasefire on Saturday, Zelenskyy said Sunday morning that Ukrainian forces had recorded 59 instances of Russian shelling and five assaults by units along the front line, as well as dozens of drone strikes.

In a later update, Zelenskyy said that despite Ukraine declaring a symmetrical approach to Russian actions, there had been an increase in Russian shelling and drone attacks since 10 a.m (0700 GMT). He said, however, that it was “a good thing, at least, that there were no air raid sirens.”

“In practice, either Putin does not have full control over his army, or the situation proves that in Russia, they have no intention of making a genuine move toward ending the war, and are only interested in favorable PR coverage,” he wrote.

Zelenskyy said that Russia must fully adhere to the ceasefire conditions and reiterated Ukraine’s offer to extend the truce for 30 days, starting midnight Sunday. He said the proposal “remains on the table” and added: “We will act in accordance with the actual situation on the ground.”

Zelenskyy said Saturday night that some areas were quieter since the ceasefire was announced, which he claimed showed Putin to be the “true cause” of the war. “As soon as Putin gave an order to scale back the attacks, the intensity of strikes and killings dropped. The only source of this war and its prolongation is in Russia,” he wrote on X.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said Sunday that Ukrainian forces launched overnight attacks in the Donetsk region despite the ceasefire, and had sent 48 drones into Russian territory. According to the ministry, there were “dead and wounded among the civilian population,” without giving details. It claimed Russian troops had strictly observed the ceasefire.

Russia-installed officials in the partially occupied Ukrainian region of Kherson also said that Ukrainian forces continued their attacks.

Just hours after announcing the ceasefire, Putin attended an Easter service late Saturday at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour led by Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church and a vocal supporter of Putin and the war in Ukraine.

According to the Kremlin, the ceasefire will last from 6 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on Saturday to midnight (2100 GMT) following Easter Sunday.

Putin offered no details on how the ceasefire would be monitored or whether it would cover airstrikes or ongoing ground battles that rage around the clock.

His announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are “coming to a head” and insisted that neither side is “playing” him in his push to end the grinding three-year war.

___

Morton reported from London.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Deported Tren de Aragua Gang Members Cause Uproar in El Salvador’s Notorious Mega-Prison as US Officials Visit

THIS is the terrifying moment deported gang members scream in anguish from…
9 Mother’s Day Movies on Netflix in 2025 To Celebrate Moms

9 Netflix Movies to Watch in 2025 for Mother’s Day Celebrations

By this point, it’s likely too late to book a Mother’s Day…
A crowd of people surrounding a tipped-over truck in a wooded area.

Tragic Accident: Bus Plunges Down Mountain Near Popular Sri Lankan Waterfall, Killing 21

AT least 21 people have died after a bus skidded and fell…
Dana White shows off Belal Muhammad's horrifying UFC injury in gruesome photo

Dana White shares shocking photo of Belal Muhammad’s severe UFC injury

Belal Muhammad lost his title and some of his lip. In his…
Malcolm's Memories: That Time I Wore $15K in Cash Into a War Zone

Malcolm’s Story: When I Carried $15,000 in Cash Into a Conflict Zone

I probably should have thought twice, felt concern or apprehension. Maybe even…
Trump administration fires top copyright official days after firing Librarian of Congress

Trump Administration Dismisses Chief Copyright Officer Following Librarian of Congress Firing

WASHINGTON (AP) — Shira Perlmutter, the leading copyright official in the U.S.,…
Watch: NC's Cowardly Roy Cooper Refuses to Answer Why He Supports Biological Men in Women's Sports

Video: NC’s Roy Cooper Declines to Comment on Support for Inclusion of Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports

The transgender issue has so deeply entrenched itself within the Democratic Party…
Special prayer for Pope Leo XIV expected at Holy Name Cathedral Chicago's first Sunday Mass since election

Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago to Hold Special Prayer for Pope Leo XIV During First Sunday Mass Post-Election

CHICAGO (WLS) — Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Sunday blessing at…
Jalen Brunson's early-game struggles another issue for Knicks

Jalen Brunson’s Initial Game Challenges Add to Knicks’ Concerns

Jalen Brunson has found his shot in the fourth quarter of each…
Fintech giant Chime moving to bigger space on Fifth Ave NYC

Chime Expands Its Footprint with New Location on Fifth Avenue, NYC

Chime, a fintech company based in San Francisco, has recently expanded its…
Twin sisters achieve top honors at Stephenson High

Identical sisters earn top awards at Stephenson High School

Twin sisters Carissa and Aissa Swope claimed valedictorian and salutatorian titles at…
Jack Della Maddalena captures UFC title with slugfest win over Belal Muhammad

Jack Della Maddalena Claims UFC Title with Thrilling Victory Over Belal Muhammad

MONTREAL — In the early hours of Sunday, Australian Jack Della Maddalena…