Sun May 04 19:42:01 UTC 2025: ## Zelenskyy Doubts Russia’s Ceasefire as Fighting Continues Despite Putin’s Announcement
**Prague/Kyiv** – Ukraine expressed deep skepticism Sunday regarding Russia’s announced three-day ceasefire for Orthodox Easter, while fighting continued across the conflict zone. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he doesn’t believe Russia will honor the truce, citing a recent surge in Russian attacks as evidence. “Today and all these days they are talking about wanting some kind of partial ceasefire, but…the number of assaults today is the highest in recent months,” Zelenskyy said, referencing over 200 attacks on Saturday.
The announcement of the ceasefire, from May 8-10, by Russian President Vladimir Putin was framed as a test of Ukraine’s commitment to peace. Putin, in a documentary marking his 25 years in power, also stated that Russia has not yet needed to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine and hopes it won’t be necessary. He asserted Russia possesses the strength to achieve its war aims. This unilateral ceasefire follows Moscow’s rejection of previous proposals for a longer truce.
Despite Putin’s claims, the conflict showed no signs of abating. Overnight, Russia launched a barrage of missiles and drones, targeting several Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian forces reported intercepting many of these projectiles, but casualties were reported, including two deaths from guided bomb strikes. Eleven people were injured in a drone attack on Kyiv. Russia also claimed its air defenses downed several Ukrainian drones. Conversely, a Russian electrical equipment factory near the Ukrainian border was reportedly struck by Ukrainian forces.
Czech President Petr Pavel, speaking alongside Zelenskyy, noted that Putin could end the war with a single decision but hasn’t shown the willingness to do so. The differing accounts and ongoing hostilities highlight the deep mistrust between the two countries and the uncertain prospects for peace.
First Piper 