- Russia announced a one-day Easter ceasefire; Ukraine reports continued shelling.
- Zelenskiy says Russia is trying to “create an impression” of peace.
- RAF jets scrambled twice to intercept Russian planes near NATO airspace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russia of using the Orthodox Easter holiday as a smokescreen for ongoing military aggression.
Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine is open to extending the ceasefire for 30 days, provided that Russia fully complies. However, he warned that Ukraine would continue to defend itself in equal measure if the ceasefire was broken.
Easter Ceasefire in Name Only: Ukraine Accuses Russia of Continued Aggression
Hours before attending an Orthodox Easter service, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a one-day ceasefire, instructing troops to halt operations across the front line. The announcement, which many saw as a gesture of goodwill, came just as the U.S. warned of withdrawing from mediation efforts. They demanded real progress toward peace.
Despite the public order, Ukraine’s military reported that hostilities not only continued but intensified in some areas. Overnight attacks, numerous shelling incidents, and multiple ground offensives were recorded. Zelenskiy publicly accused Russia of trying to “create a general impression of a ceasefire” while covertly advancing militarily.
The situation also escalated beyond Ukraine’s borders, with NATO airspace threatened by Russian aircraft. British RAF fighter jets scrambled twice in under 48 hours to intercept Russian planes. They intervened once to deter a surveillance aircraft over the Baltic Sea, and another time to intercept an unknown craft near Kaliningrad. The swift action by NATO highlights growing regional tension and military readiness.
In response, Zelenskiy reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to observe a longer truce but underlined that violations by Russia would not go unanswered. His message was clear. Ukraine will mirror Russia’s behavior, ceasefire or not. The international community remains watchful, with peace talks at a critical juncture.
Zelenskiy’s firm stance signals that Ukraine won’t be swayed by symbolic gestures. They demand genuine actions if peace is to be pursued meaningfully.
“Russia must fully comply with the conditions of silence.” – Volodymyr Zelenskiy
