Tensions between Russia and Ukraine flared once again on Sunday as Ukrainian officials accused Russian forces of violating the unilateral Easter truce declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin just a day earlier. The brief and unexpected ceasefire, which was announced without coordination with Ukraine, appears to have been short-lived, with reports of renewed shelling in eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky harshly criticized the truce, calling it a “public relations move” by Vladimir Putin, designed to manipulate international opinion rather than genuinely promote peace.
Ceasefire announcement shocks Kyiv
On Saturday, Vladimir Putin announced a 36-hour Easter truce, ordering Russian troops to halt offensive operations beginning Saturday evening to observe Orthodox Easter. However, the Ukrainian government expressed skepticism about the declaration, citing past violations of similar Russian promises during key religious and humanitarian periods.
The announcement, which caught Ukrainian defense officials off guard, did not include any formal communication with Ukrainian forces, nor was it discussed through international mediation channels.
Renewed fighting sparks outrage
Just hours after the truce was said to take effect, Ukrainian defense spokespersons reported intense artillery shelling in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, accusing Russia of violating its own ceasefire commitment.
“In multiple locations, our forces have come under fire from Russian artillery and drone attacks, even after the so-called Easter truce began,” said Colonel Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, a Ukrainian military spokesperson. “Russia’s words clearly mean nothing when their actions continue to show aggression.”
Local officials in Bakhmut and Avdiivka confirmed civilian infrastructure was hit overnight, with no reported casualties so far. However, the Ukrainian military has heightened its alert level in the affected regions.
Zelensky responds: Truce for headlines, not peace
In a national address, President Zelensky condemned Russia’s actions, stating, “This is not a truce—it’s another show for headlines. While Russia pretends to promote peace, its forces continue to launch missiles and drones into our towns.”
He also urged Western allies not to be deceived by what he described as Putin’s strategic media stunt, and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to defending its sovereignty.
Global reactions mixed
While the Russian Orthodox Church welcomed the truce, citing spiritual and humanitarian reasons, Western officials remain wary of the Kremlin’s intentions. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg remarked that Russia’s ceasefire announcement should be “judged by actions, not words.”
In Washington, the U.S. State Department echoed Ukraine’s concerns, saying that past Russian ceasefire declarations have been “frequently used to regroup and redeploy military assets under the cover of humanitarian gestures.”
Analysts: Putin’s truce a calculated PR move
Security experts believe that Vladimir Putin’s Easter truce may have been part of a larger strategy to shift the narrative amid mounting international criticism. As Ukraine continues to gain support from Western nations, Putin may be attempting to portray Russia as a peace-seeking party, particularly ahead of renewed discussions at the United Nations Security Council.
Dr. Kateryna Holub of the Kyiv Institute for International Policy noted, “Putin understands that international optics matter. The Easter truce announcement, despite being breached, allows Russia to say ‘we tried,’ even when evidence shows otherwise.”
Ukraine calls for stronger international pressure
As the temporary truce nears its scheduled end, Ukraine is calling on world leaders to increase diplomatic and military support in the face of ongoing violations.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated, “We urge our partners to continue sending defensive aid, impose stricter sanctions on Moscow, and hold Russia accountable for breaking the so-called ceasefire.”
Ukraine has also requested that international monitors, including those from the OSCE, be allowed to verify violations on the ground—a move likely to be opposed by Russia.
What’s next?
As of Sunday evening, fighting in several front-line areas continues, marking the collapse of any meaningful ceasefire during the Easter holiday. Ukrainian officials are warning citizens in eastern regions to remain in shelters and avoid travel where possible.
The Russia-Ukraine war shows no signs of de-escalation, and with both sides accusing each other of bad faith actions, hopes for a negotiated peace remain distant.
The world now watches closely to see whether the Easter truce violation marks the start of another intensified phase of the conflict.