“Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Russia of simulating a ceasefire while continuing attacks in Ukraine. The leader in Kiev stated that Russia is attempting to create the impression of a ceasefire, as reported by the BBC. According to Zelensky, in the first six hours of the so-called “Easter armistice” – decreed by Russian President Vladimir Putin – the Russian army carried out 387 bombings, launched 19 attacks, and used drones 290 times.
On Saturday, Putin ordered his forces to “stop all military activities” in Ukraine during the temporary ceasefire, to which Kiev announced it would adhere. The truce was scheduled to last for 30 hours, from 6:00 PM Moscow time (4:00 PM BST) on Saturday to midnight on Sunday.
Ukraine has proposed extending the ceasefire for another 30 days.
On Sunday morning, Zelensky stated that Moscow is “attempting to create a general impression of a ceasefire, but in some areas, they have not given up attempts to advance and cause losses to Ukraine.”
Accusing Russia of concrete military actions, the Ukrainian President added that “our soldiers are responding everywhere as the enemy deserves, depending on the specific combat circumstances.”
On Saturday evening, just a few hours after the start of the ceasefire, Zelensky stated: “If Russia is truly prepared to adopt a full and unconditional ceasefire, Ukraine will act accordingly – mirroring Russia’s actions.” “Our actions are and will be symmetrical. The proposal for 30 days of total and unconditional silence remains valid – the response must come from Moscow,” Zelensky wrote on the X platform.
He also stated that Ukraine would be prepared to extend the ceasefire even after April 20th, apparently referring to a previous proposal by the US for a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine had already accepted. In response to Putin’s announcement, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha wrote on X: “Putin is now making statements about his supposed willingness to accept a ceasefire. 30 hours instead of 30 days.” “Unfortunately, we have a long history of his statements not matching his actions. We know we cannot trust his words and we will be guided by actions, not promises,” he added.”