**As Russian troops reportedly continue hostilities despite a declared cease-fire, both Ukraine and the U.S. express skepticism about Moscow's commitment to peace.**
**Cease-Fire Violations Reported Amid Russian Easter Truce Pledge**
**Cease-Fire Violations Reported Amid Russian Easter Truce Pledge**
**Ukrainian Forces Respond to Ongoing Attacks Despite Moscow's Announcement**
In a tense development during the ongoing conflict, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine announced that Russian forces conducted ongoing assaults even after Moscow declared a 30-hour Easter cease-fire. Reports from the front lines indicated that from the start time of the cease-fire on Saturday evening to early Sunday morning, Russian troops launched nearly 450 artillery attacks and 24 assaults, alongside deploying drones over 300 times. The clashes were most intense during the initial hours of the truce.
Zelensky voiced his disbelief regarding Russia’s commitment to the cease-fire, particularly highlighting that the agreement appeared to falter in the regions of Kursk and Belgorod, where Russian troops seemed to be making territorial advances. “The Russian Army is trying to create a general impression of a cease-fire, but they are not hesitating to launch attacks in some areas," he remarked.
The cease-fire announcement came abruptly from Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier on Saturday and appeared to be timed in response to frustrations from the Trump administration regarding stalled peace negotiations. It followed criticism from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Russia's failure to engage in negotiations for a broader cease-fire.
In contrast to Moscow’s claims, Zelensky reiterated that Ukrainian forces would respond in kind to any provocation. On Easter morning, he emphasized a doctrine of reciprocal response: if Russian forces remained active, so too would Ukraine's military engagements. He further indicated Ukraine's intention to request an extension of the truce to allow for meaningful peace discussions.
With support for Ukraine echoing from Washington and skepticism about Russia's genuine intentions, both nations are poised to reassess future tactics as the conflict endures with no clear resolution in sight. Kim Barker reports on the evolving crisis as international observers watch closely.
Zelensky voiced his disbelief regarding Russia’s commitment to the cease-fire, particularly highlighting that the agreement appeared to falter in the regions of Kursk and Belgorod, where Russian troops seemed to be making territorial advances. “The Russian Army is trying to create a general impression of a cease-fire, but they are not hesitating to launch attacks in some areas," he remarked.
The cease-fire announcement came abruptly from Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier on Saturday and appeared to be timed in response to frustrations from the Trump administration regarding stalled peace negotiations. It followed criticism from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Russia's failure to engage in negotiations for a broader cease-fire.
In contrast to Moscow’s claims, Zelensky reiterated that Ukrainian forces would respond in kind to any provocation. On Easter morning, he emphasized a doctrine of reciprocal response: if Russian forces remained active, so too would Ukraine's military engagements. He further indicated Ukraine's intention to request an extension of the truce to allow for meaningful peace discussions.
With support for Ukraine echoing from Washington and skepticism about Russia's genuine intentions, both nations are poised to reassess future tactics as the conflict endures with no clear resolution in sight. Kim Barker reports on the evolving crisis as international observers watch closely.
