Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of hundreds of ceasefire violations
Ukraine and Russia Exchange Ceasefire Violation Claims
During the brief truce aligned with Orthodox Easter, both Ukraine and Russia have leveled accusations of widespread breaches against each other. Ukraine’s military reported over 2,299 violations by Russian forces since the agreement took effect at 4 PM local time (1 PM GMT) on Saturday, encompassing attacks on four unarmored soldiers. In contrast, Russia’s defense ministry countered by stating that Ukrainian troops had carried out 1,971 offenses, including three counterattacks in the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the conflict as a period of peace, expressing hope that the truce could be prolonged beyond Easter to aid ongoing peace talks. However, Russia dismissed this possibility, asserting that hostilities would recommence on Monday. The truce was announced by Putin earlier in the week, following persistent requests from Ukraine for a temporary halt in hostilities.
“Easter is a time of peace,” Zelensky remarked, emphasizing the need for the ceasefire to be extended to support diplomatic efforts.
According to Ukraine’s military, Russian forces launched 28 assaults and executed nearly 2,000 drone strikes during the truce, though they avoided the use of bombs or missiles. In the Kharkiv region, local authorities disclosed that Russian troops executed four Ukrainian soldiers after the agreement was enforced, labeling it a “grave violation of international humanitarian law.” Ukraine’s military argued the soldiers were shot following their disarmament, calling it “another war crime by Russia.”
A drone image shared by Ukrainian authorities depicted four bodies in a field, suggesting a direct attack. Meanwhile, in the Sumy region, a Russian drone struck an ambulance overnight, injuring three medical staff. Russia claimed Ukraine launched three nighttime attacks on positions in Pokrovsk and Dnipropetrovsk, with four advances by Ukrainian troops in Sumy and Donetsk thwarted.
Both sides exchanged 175 prisoners of war on Saturday, with seven civilians included in each exchange. Despite these gestures, expectations for the ceasefire remain low among Ukrainian civilians and frontline soldiers. Kyiv advocates for a broader truce, viewing it as a prerequisite for a lasting peace, while Moscow insists on securing a peace deal first, sparking concerns about its commitment to ending the war.