Zelenskiy Slams Russia’s “Fake” Easter Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Shelling

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday dismissed Russia’s Orthodox Easter ceasefire as a facade, accusing Moscow of continuing frontline attacks despite President Vladimir Putin’s order to halt military activity.

Putin’s declaration, made hours before attending an Easter service Saturday night, called for a one-day ceasefire until midnight Sunday (2100 GMT). The announcement came shortly after the U.S. warned it may abandon peace talks unless both sides demonstrate genuine commitment to negotiations.

Zelenskiy, in a social media post, said Russia appeared to be creating “the impression of a ceasefire” while still conducting offensive actions. He reported over 59 shelling incidents and five assault attempts along the front early Sunday. Ukraine’s military confirmed a reduction in activity, but noted that fighting had not ceased entirely. “We didn’t hold out much hope,” said Viktor Trehubov, a spokesman for Ukraine’s eastern front.

Explosions were also reported in Russian-occupied Donetsk, according to local media, though battlefield reports remain unverified by Reuters.

President Trump, who has taken a more Moscow-aligned stance, has pushed for a new peace framework. Although Ukraine accepted Trump’s earlier 30-day truce proposal, Russia rejected it. Limited pauses in attacks have since been observed but frequently violated.

Zelenskiy reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to extend the ceasefire if Russia reciprocates. “Ukraine will continue to act in a mirror manner,” he stated.

The EU responded cautiously, while the UN emphasized the need for a just and lasting peace respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty.

In his Easter address, Zelenskiy urged Ukrainians to hold on to hope. “We know what we are defending. We know what we are fighting for,” he said, standing before Kyiv’s iconic Saint Sophia Cathedral in traditional Ukrainian attire.