Reports indicate a complex situation surrounding a declared Easter ceasefire in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral 30-hour ceasefire, but Ukraine expressed skepticism and reported continued attacks. The proposed ceasefire aimed to halt military activity along the front line from Saturday evening to Sunday midnight Moscow time. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of creating a false impression of de-escalation while continuing to shell Ukrainian positions.

Zelenskyy stated that even during the supposed ceasefire, there were numerous instances of shelling and assaults by Russian forces. He questioned Putin's control over his army or suggested that Russia was primarily interested in favorable public relations rather than a genuine effort to end the war. Ukraine's military reported a decrease in overall activity but confirmed ongoing clashes and artillery strikes.

Conversely, Russia's defense ministry claimed that its forces strictly observed the ceasefire and accused Ukraine of violating it over a thousand times. They reported numerous Ukrainian attacks on Russian positions, drone strikes, and artillery fire, resulting in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. These claims and counter-claims highlight the deep distrust and conflicting narratives surrounding the conflict.

Despite the violations, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's willingness to extend the ceasefire for 30 days, as proposed by the U.S. He emphasized that Ukraine would respond symmetrically to any Russian aggression. The situation on the ground remained tense, with both sides accusing each other of provocations and breaches of the agreed-upon truce. A Ukrainian commander stated that they would limit fire but would retaliate if attacked.

The failure of the Easter ceasefire underscores the difficulty in achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine. Former U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to broker a deal face significant challenges, with the U.S. threatening to withdraw from peace talks without concrete progress. Both Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of violating previous agreements, including a moratorium on attacks on energy targets and at sea. The international community, including the EU and the UN, has expressed cautious support for peace efforts but emphasizes the need for Russia to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As Easter coincided for both Orthodox and Western churches, Zelenskyy urged Ukrainians to maintain hope for peace. He reaffirmed Ukraine's determination to defend its territory and fight for its freedom. Despite the ongoing conflict and the broken ceasefire, the pursuit of a lasting and comprehensive peace remains a critical objective.