Easter truce shattered as Russia, Ukraine trade blame

File Source: DW

A fragile 30-hour Easter truce between Russia and Ukraine crumbled under mutual accusations, as both sides reported violations amid ongoing hostilities, casting doubt over hopes for a peaceful holiday pause.

The ceasefire, unilaterally declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 19, was meant to begin at 6 p.m. that day and last until midnight on April 20. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had initially agreed to honor the truce and even proposed extending it to a 30-day halt in fighting. But by Easter Sunday, reports of violence were already surfacing from both camps.

In the early hours of April 20, Russian authorities reported at least three explosions in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine. President Zelenskyy responded with a statement on social media the same day, alleging continued aggression by Moscow despite the ceasefire.

“The Russian Army is attempting to create the general impression of a cease-fire, while in some areas still continuing isolated attempts to advance and inflict losses on Ukraine,” Zelenskyy wrote, citing an early-morning briefing from the Ukrainian general staff. “Between 6 p.m. yesterday and midnight today, there were 387 instances of shelling and 19 assaults by Russian forces. Drones were used by Russians 290 times,” he added.

In Kyiv, the mood was skeptical as priests sprinkled holy water on worshippers during Easter celebrations. Many civilians doubted Russia’s intentions.

“I really hope for it but I do not believe in it. They (the Russians) say one thing but do the opposite,” said Dmytro, a 37-year-old IT worker.

“Nobody believes in it,” echoed Olha Malashuk, 40, who works in sales. “[Putin] probably wants to rearm the troops, that is why no one believes him anymore.”

Skepticism was not limited to Ukraine. In Moscow, where independent reporting is heavily restricted, some civilians voiced similar cynicism.

“It’s pointless because I don’t trust Ukraine,” said Evgeny Pavlov, 58, speaking to AFP. “We shouldn’t give them a break. If we’re pressing them, we should finish the job.”

Maria Goranina, 85, expressed fatigue over the prolonged conflict. “We need to end this — either yes or no. Either make peace permanently or not at all,” she said.

The European Union reiterated its support for Ukraine, with EU foreign affairs spokeswoman Anitta Hipper stating, “Russia could stop this war at any moment if it really wanted to…. We continue to support Ukraine for a long, just, and comprehensive peace.”

Putin’s truce announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump and other American officials voiced frustration over the stalled peace talks in the nearly four-year-long conflict. On April 18, Trump remarked that negotiations were “coming to a head” and asserted that neither Russia nor Ukraine is “playing” him as he pushes for an end to the war.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a more cautious warning, saying that if no progress was made in the coming days, the United States might “move on” from its current diplomatic efforts.

This isn’t the first time Putin has proposed a ceasefire during a major holiday. In January 2023, he ordered a 36-hour halt in combat for Orthodox Christmas, a move that Zelenskyy at the time dismissed as a ploy to allow Russian forces to regroup.

As shelling continues and faith in the ceasefire falters, the Easter truce stands as another fleeting attempt at peace amid a war that shows no signs of ending.