Russia and Ukraine exchanged sharp accusations on Sunday over alleged violations of a 32-hour Orthodox Easter ceasefire, casting doubt on prospects for peace amid ongoing hostilities. The truce, announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, was set to last from 4 p.m. local time Saturday until the end of Sunday, coinciding with one of the most sacred holidays for Eastern Orthodox Christians.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed Ukrainian forces violated the ceasefire 1,971 times during the designated period, including three nighttime attacks on Russian troop positions in the Dnipropetrovsk region. It also accused Kyiv of targeting border areas, resulting in civilian injuries. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s General Staff reported 2,299 alleged Russian violations, including airstrikes and shelling of populated areas and military positions. Casualties were reported in the Sumy border region, according to Ukrainian media.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had earlier stated his willingness to honor the truce and proposed extending it, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated on Sunday that Russia would resume its military operation post-ceasefire unless Kyiv demonstrated "courage" to negotiate peace. The mutual recriminations echo last year’s failed Easter truce, underscoring entrenched tensions as the conflict enters its fifth year.
