Zelenskyy, Putin mark Easter amid truce breach allegations

Shared Celebration Amid Tensions

Orthodox Easter was observed in Ukraine and Russia on Sunday, yet the holiday marked a backdrop of accusations between the two nations. Ukrainian and Russian armed forces pointed fingers at each other, citing numerous violations of the truce agreement. Despite the temporary pause in hostilities, both sides claimed breaches, creating a rift even during the sacred occasion.

Leaders’ Easter Addresses

In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in a service at St. Sophia Cathedral, highlighting Ukraine’s resilience against four years of Russian invasion. He stated,

“We place our trust not only in heavenly powers, but also in our security and defense forces.”

Meanwhile, in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin delivered an Easter speech at Christ the Savior Cathedral, acknowledging the Russian Orthodox Church’s support for the “special military operation.” Holding a candle, he emphasized the ceasefire’s purpose, yet both nations disputed its adherence.

Disputing Ceasefire Compliance

Ukrainian forces reported 2,299 ceasefire violations since Saturday, including 479 instances of artillery fire and approximately 1,800 drone attacks. They noted,

“There were no attacks with rockets, glide bombs or Shahed drones.”

The Russian Defense Ministry countered with its own count, claiming 1,971 breaches in the Pokrovsk region of eastern Ukraine. A statement from Moscow asserted,

“All attacks were repulsed.”

Peace Terms and Continued Conflict

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia would not prolong the Easter truce without Ukraine’s acceptance of Moscow’s peace proposals. “Sustainable peace can come when we secure our interests and achieve the goals we set from the very start,” he said, as reported by Russian news agencies. Peskov added,

“This can be done literally today. But Zelenskyy must accept these well-known solutions. Until Zelenskyy musters the courage to assume this responsibility, the special military operation will continue after the truce expires.”

The official noted that Russian troops aimed to reclaim the remaining “17%–18%” of eastern Donetsk, still held by Ukrainian forces.