Mon Apr 21 05:03:00 UTC 2025: ## Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Violating Easter Ceasefire
**KYIV, April 21, 2025** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of violating its unilaterally declared Easter ceasefire, claiming continued attacks despite President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a temporary truce. Zelenskyy reported numerous instances of shelling and assaults by Russian forces, including a deadly ambush in the Donetsk region. While acknowledging a relative decrease in air raids, he emphasized the continued use of heavy weaponry by Russia.
The Russian Defense Ministry countered these claims, accusing Ukraine of launching attacks in the Donetsk region and deploying drones into Russian territory. They reported civilian casualties but offered no specifics. Russia-installed officials in Kherson also reported Ukrainian attacks.
Despite Russia’s assertions of truce observance, Zelenskyy stated that Russia must fully adhere to the ceasefire and reiterated Ukraine’s proposal to extend the truce for 30 days. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that Moscow has yet to respond to this offer. Zelenskyy suggested either a lack of control by Putin over his military or a deliberate effort to manipulate public perception.
Putin attended an Easter service in Moscow shortly after announcing the ceasefire, offering no details on monitoring or specifics regarding the truce’s scope. This announcement follows comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are nearing a conclusion. The U.S. State Department expressed its commitment to a comprehensive ceasefire and noted encouraging discussions on peace prospects.
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