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
Rooster-fighting ring busted: Neighbor recalls the signs, crime expert weighs in

Illegal Rooster-Fighting Ring Uncovered: Neighbor’s Tip Leads to Bust, Crime Expert Analyzes Hidden Clues

In a significant breakthrough, Jacksonville police have dismantled a clandestine rooster-fighting ring,…
Vandals hit Yosemite National Park with graffiti on boulder, more

Outrage at Yosemite: Uncovering the Recent Surge in Vandalism and Its Impact on Nature’s Masterpiece

Yosemite National Park, renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, became the target…
Coco Gauff smashes racket in frustration after Australian Open loss to Elina Svitolina, video shows

Coco Gauff’s Emotional Moment: Racket Smash After Tough Australian Open Defeat to Elina Svitolina

In Melbourne, Australia, Coco Gauff vented her frustration on her tennis racket…
Chicago Bears stadium search: Indiana state lawmakers advance Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to lure NFL team

Indiana Senate Advances Plan to Attract Chicago Bears with New Northwest Indiana Stadium Proposal

In an intriguing development, the Indiana state senate is taking significant steps…
VCU anti-ICE nurse fired after referencing paralytic drug in video instructing 'sabotage' of ICE agents

Controversial VCU Nurse Loses Job Over Viral Anti-ICE Video Advocating Drug Sabotage

A nurse at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health has been terminated following…
Hundreds in Jacksonville demand justice for Alex Pretti, protest federal agents' actions

Jacksonville Rallies for Justice: Community Outcry Against Federal Agents in Alex Pretti Case

In Jacksonville, demonstrators took to the streets to protest the killing of…
DHS honors Illinois woman whose corpse was allegedly abused by illegal immigrant freed under sanctuary laws

DHS Recognizes Illinois Woman as Victim in Alleged Abuse Case Involving Immigrant Released Under Sanctuary Policies

EXCLUSIVE: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a video tribute…
Harry Styles NYC residency ticket prices skyrocket, prompting backlash from fans

Soaring Ticket Prices for Harry Styles’ NYC Shows Spark Fan Outrage

Harry Styles is set to perform 30 shows at Madison Square Garden…
Tennessee man dies after suffering heart attack while shoveling snow, adding to storm toll

Tennessee Man’s Tragic Heart Attack While Shoveling Snow Highlights Dangers of Winter Storms

A 66-year-old man from Tennessee has tragically passed away following a heart…
Will County man John Shadbar pleads guilty in hate crime case after shooting of Melissa Robertson in Lockport

Will County Resident Admits Guilt in Hate Crime Shooting of Melissa Robertson in Lockport

A resident of Will County has admitted guilt in a case involving…
Multiple people injured after gunfire erupts at funeral home during teen's service with hundreds in attendance

Gunfire at Funeral Home for Teen’s Service Leaves Several Injured Amid Large Gathering

Officials have reported that a shooting during a teenager’s funeral in Ferguson,…
Natalie Portman reveals she 'misplaced a rib' while filming 'Black Swan'

Unveiling the Unexpected: Natalie Portman’s Shocking ‘Black Swan’ Injury and the Mystery of the Misplaced Rib

Natalie Portman’s portrayal in “Black Swan” was nothing short of extraordinary. Yet,…