Broken Promises: Alleged Violations of the Easter Ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly condemned Russia’s adherence to the announced “easter truce,” citing numerous alleged breaches. According to Zelensky, referencing reports from Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Alexander Syrsky, russian forces purportedly violated the ceasefire over two thousand times by 8 PM moscow time on the first day alone.

These alleged violations included 67 assault attempts on Ukrainian positions, with the Pokrovsky direction experiencing the most intense activity. The Ukrainian military also documented 1355 instances of shelling, with approximately half involving the use of heavy weaponry. These reports suggest a widespread disregard for the ceasefire across nearly all major front lines.

Ukraine’s Proposal for a sustained Ceasefire

In response to the perceived ineffectiveness of the “Easter truce,” Ukraine has proposed a more complete and extended cessation of hostilities. Specifically, Ukraine is urging Russia to implement a 30-day ceasefire along the entire front line, with the possibility of extending this moratorium. This proposal includes a specific request to halt drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure.

As of 2025, civilian infrastructure in Ukraine has suffered extensive damage. According to the United nations, attacks on healthcare facilities alone have numbered in the hundreds as the start of the full-scale invasion, highlighting the urgent need for protection of civilian areas.

Zelensky’s Warning and International Response

President Zelensky has stated that if the Kremlin rejects Ukraine’s proposal for a sustained ceasefire, it would signal Russia’s intention to continue the war and inflict further harm on the Ukrainian population. This statement underscores the high stakes involved and the potential for continued escalation.

The United States has previously expressed its support for a complete cessation of hostilities.

Washington was advocating for the complete cessation of hostilities.
U.S. State Department

Kremlin’s Stance on Extending the Truce

Prior to Ukraine’s proposal,reports indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin had not issued any orders to extend the “Easter truce” beyond its initial expiration. The Kremlin had previously stated that the declared “Silence regime” would remain in effect only until midnight on April 21st.

Putin did not give orders to extend the “Easter truce.”
Kremlin Spokesperson