In a rapidly escalating conflict, both Ukraine and Russia have exchanged sharp accusations regarding breaches of a 30-hour "Easter truce," instigated recently by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported a flurry of over 46 Russian attacks on Sunday, asserting that the ceasefire was compromised. However, these figures remain unverified independently by the BBC.
In retort, Russia's defense ministry alleged they successfully thwarted assaults from Ukraine, blaming Kyiv for launching hundreds of drones and artillery shells, as stated by state-run media. The truce was proclaimed by Putin to take effect from 16:00 BST Saturday until midnight in Moscow on Sunday, during which he commanded a halt to military engagements. “For this period, I order all military actions to cease,” Putin declared. He expected Ukraine to reciprocate, yet cautioned forces to prepare for any provocations.
Zelensky dismissed the ceasefire as a mere public relations gesture, indicating that Putin's announcements are void of substance. "This Easter has clearly demonstrated that the only source of this war, and the reason it drags on, is Russia," he stated, portraying the Kremlin's ceasefire as a façade aimed at misleading public perception.
Following the surprising truce declaration, mixed reactions unfolded among the Ukrainian populace attending Easter services in various locales, with many, including lawyer Olena Poprych in Kyiv, expressing skepticism towards Putin’s overtures of humanity. Similarly, sentiments from residents in the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk reflected distrust, with some questioning the sincerity of Ukraine's commitment to the truce.
Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, an immeasurable toll has been dealt, with hundreds of thousands of casualties reported on all sides. Although the US has been actively engaged in facilitating dialogue for peace, progress has been limited. Moscow recently stipulated a comprehensive set of conditions in response to a ceasefire agreement that both the US and Ukraine had been amenable to.
As the situation remains precarious, Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced the urgency for determination in talks, emphasizing that if there’s no viable path to peace, the US will pivot to other pressing issues. The protracted conflict continues to hinge on a brightly flickering hope for a lasting ceasefire amidst waning trust.
In retort, Russia's defense ministry alleged they successfully thwarted assaults from Ukraine, blaming Kyiv for launching hundreds of drones and artillery shells, as stated by state-run media. The truce was proclaimed by Putin to take effect from 16:00 BST Saturday until midnight in Moscow on Sunday, during which he commanded a halt to military engagements. “For this period, I order all military actions to cease,” Putin declared. He expected Ukraine to reciprocate, yet cautioned forces to prepare for any provocations.
Zelensky dismissed the ceasefire as a mere public relations gesture, indicating that Putin's announcements are void of substance. "This Easter has clearly demonstrated that the only source of this war, and the reason it drags on, is Russia," he stated, portraying the Kremlin's ceasefire as a façade aimed at misleading public perception.
Following the surprising truce declaration, mixed reactions unfolded among the Ukrainian populace attending Easter services in various locales, with many, including lawyer Olena Poprych in Kyiv, expressing skepticism towards Putin’s overtures of humanity. Similarly, sentiments from residents in the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk reflected distrust, with some questioning the sincerity of Ukraine's commitment to the truce.
Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, an immeasurable toll has been dealt, with hundreds of thousands of casualties reported on all sides. Although the US has been actively engaged in facilitating dialogue for peace, progress has been limited. Moscow recently stipulated a comprehensive set of conditions in response to a ceasefire agreement that both the US and Ukraine had been amenable to.
As the situation remains precarious, Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced the urgency for determination in talks, emphasizing that if there’s no viable path to peace, the US will pivot to other pressing issues. The protracted conflict continues to hinge on a brightly flickering hope for a lasting ceasefire amidst waning trust.
