Both Russia and Ukraine accused one another on Easter Sunday of breaking a one-day truce to observe the religious holiday. The short-lived ceasefire, announced by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, was intended to ease tensions as Orthodox Easter was being celebrated.
Despite this agreement, both sides reported scores of assaults during the day, reflecting how challenging it is to attain lasting peace in this disastrous war.
Ukraine Accuses Russia of Breaching the Ceasefire
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine rejected Russia’s claim of respecting the ceasefire outright, stating that Russian forces were still shelling positions. Between midnight and midday, Russia had made 26 attacks, violating the spirit of the ceasefire, Zelenskyy stated.
He denounced Vladimir Putin for not being able to control his troops or using the ceasefire as a PR strategy instead of having any real interest in peace.
Russia’s Counterclaim: Ukraine Violates the Ceasefire
Russia’s Defence Ministry responded differently, blaming Ukraine for violating the truce over 1,000 times. The Russian armed forces reported 444 attacks on Russian positions, in addition to over 900 drone attacks.
Russia alleged that the attacks resulted in civilian casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure, particularly in the Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod regions.
Implications for Trump’s Peace Efforts
The collapse of even a short Easter ceasefire is a strong sign of how challenging it will be for US President Donald Trump to facilitate a substantial peace deal. Trump has long tried to cast himself as a peacemaker, but this collapse indicates just how deeply entrenched the two sides are in the war.
His latest statements that he would walk away from peace talks unless something happens are an indication of his increasing frustration with the situation.
Zelenskyy’s Stand: No Peace Without Action
Despite the violations, Zelenskyy is willing to extend the ceasefire, calling on Russia to demonstrate its commitment to peace. He threatened, however, that Ukraine would keep fighting if Russia maintained its military operations.
This standoff illustrates the challenges in any agreement as both sides stick to their stands.
Role of International Mediators
Whereas the United Nations and the European Union have pressed both parties into a true peace process, the unilateral moves of Russia indicate it might not be truly interested in peace.
Vladimir Putin has expressed appreciation to international brokers, such as Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, but failure to take real action indicates that the conflict has a complex dynamic.
Despite the failures, Zelenskyy remains upbeat about the defense of Ukraine and its aim of sovereignty. Standing before Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv on Easter, he reminded Ukrainians of the fight they are in and their steadfast desire for peace. But with each failed truce, the prospect of peace becomes more and more distant.