Military officials in Kyiv and Moscow traded accusations on Sunday regarding thousands of ceasefire violations during the Orthodox Easter holiday, as the conflict continues into its fifth year despite both presidents originally agreeing to a temporary cessation of hostilities along the 1,200-kilometre front line.
The Ukrainian army reported 2,299 violations by Sunday morning, citing dozens of assault actions and over a thousand drone strikes. “As of 7:00 am… 2,299 ceasefire violations were recorded. Specifically: 28 enemy assault actions, 479 enemy shellings, 747 strikes by attack drones,” the military stated. Conversely, Russia’s defence ministry accused Ukraine of nearly 2,000 breaches. Moscow claimed that Kyiv fired artillery 258 times and launched four attempts to advance along the trenches.
Political Deadlock Over Extensions
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed an extension of the truce during his Saturday address to the nation. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected any prolonging of the ceasefire unless Ukraine accepted Russia’s territorial demands. “Until Zelenskyy musters the courage to assume this responsibility, the special military operation will continue after the truce expires,” Peskov remarked.
In the Kharkiv region, some Ukrainian units found brief moments of respite despite the ongoing drone and artillery activity. Lieutenant Colonel Vasyl Kobziak noted that the lull allowed his soldiers to attend an outdoor Easter Sunday mass. “Our comrades have the chance… to have their Easter baskets blessed and to feel the warmth and joy of this holiday,” he said.
Meanwhile, civilians in Zaporizhzhia remained deeply sceptical of the diplomatic gesture. “I think they’re using this as a cover to reconvene,” said Vladyslav, a 28-year-old manager. While the truce reduced long-range missile barrages, the lack of a permanent peace deal leaves millions in a state of constant peril. Russia currently occupies nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory, and negotiations remain stalled as international attention shifts toward the Middle East.
