On Easter Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly criticized Russia for continuing its military attacks despite a 30-hour ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Taking to social media platform X, Zelenskyy stated that Russia’s assault operations remain active across several frontline sectors, casting doubt on Moscow’s commitment to peace.
“Russian artillery fire has not subsided. There is no trust in words coming from Moscow,” Zelenskyy wrote.
Fighting Continues Despite Ceasefire
While Putin’s government announced a 30-hour truce for humanitarian reasons, Zelenskyy alleged that Russian troops never stopped their offensive.
“We know all too well how Moscow manipulates, and we are prepared for anything,” Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine Will Respond Rationally
Ukraine’s leader assured that the country’s Defense Forces will act wisely and respond appropriately to every Russian strike.
“Ukraine’s Defense Forces will act rationally — responding in kind,” Zelenskyy said.
Call for a Real 30-Day Ceasefire
Zelenskyy revealed that Russia had ignored a US-backed proposal for a full 30-day unconditional ceasefire for over a month. While Ukraine supported the idea, Russia did not respond.
“Thirty hours is enough to make headlines, but not to build genuine confidence,” Zelenskyy explained.
He added that Ukraine would mirror Russia’s actions — maintaining silence in exchange for silence, or launching defensive strikes if attacked.
“If a complete ceasefire truly takes hold, Ukraine proposes extending it beyond April 20.”
Russia’s Brief Ceasefire Announcement
In a video posted by Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Putin stated:
“The Russian Side announces an Easter ceasefire from 06:00 pm today to 00:00 am Monday. This is done for humanitarian reasons.”
However, this is not the first time such an attempt failed. A previous ceasefire during Orthodox Christmas in January 2023 also broke down quickly due to disagreements.
Will Peace Ever Hold?
As the war drags into its third year, Zelenskyy’s statement reveals a deep lack of trust between the two nations. His call for a 30-day truce is not just a plea for peace — it’s a test of Russia’s true intentions.