Despite an official ceasefire at Easter, Kiev reports new Russian attacks. Zelensky speaks of propaganda – Trump also threatens consequences. Kyiv Independent, Business Insider & Reuters report.

Although Russia had announced a unilateral ceasefire on the occasion of Orthodox Easter, Ukrainian authorities report continued attacks by Russian troops. The ceasefire, which was supposed to begin on Saturday evening and last until midnight on Monday, was apparently broken shortly before it officially began. According to the independent news portal The Kyiv Independent, Russian drones were spotted over Ukrainian territory even before the ceasefire came into effect.

The Ukrainian government was correspondingly skeptical. According to a report by Business Insider, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Russia had already rejected a 30-day ceasefire previously proposed by the US and was now trying to “falsely portray itself as a peacemaker.” The ceasefire was merely propaganda, the president said. According to the Kyiv Independent, the Ukrainian army was instructed to cease fire but to document any violations by the Russian side. Kiev also reserves the right to respond to attacks.

Russia’s actions also drew international criticism. According to Reuters, US President Donald Trump said that the United States would withdraw from the ongoing peace negotiations if Moscow or Kiev “wilfully block” the talks. Trump added that the US was not prepared to tolerate “endless rounds of meaningless negotiations.”

The ceasefire is not the first attempt at de-escalation. Back in March, both sides had already concluded a temporary agreement to suspend attacks on energy infrastructure. However, according to a report in the BILD newspaper, Russian air strikes were documented even then – meaning that the agreement was never fully complied with.

The international community is once again calling for restraint. While Russia continues to claim it is willing to negotiate, concerns are growing that the conflict could escalate again – even during religious holidays.

Image:
President Of Ukraine from Україна, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons