Russia ends Easter ceasefire, accuses Ukraine of violating terms

After the end of the Easter truce, which was in effect from 6:00 p.m. on April 19 to 12:00 a.m. on April 21, Russia announced the continuation of the so-called "special military operation."

In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that its troops "strictly followed the ceasefire regime" during this period, remaining in previously occupied positions.

However, as expected, Russia did not miss the opportunity to accuse Ukraine of violating the terms of the truce.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the Ukrainian armed forces allegedly continued shelling, including artillery strikes and the use of drones against Russian military positions.

Cynically, Russia accuses Ukraine of violating the truce while continuing its own aggressive actions.

Easter ceasefire

On April 19, Kremlin head Vladimir Putin initiated the so-called "ceasefire." It was announced from 6:00 p.m. on April 19 to 12:00 a.m. on April 21 Moscow time. However, despite Putin's order, Russian occupiers did not stop shelling the positions of Ukrainian troops at the front, as well as settlements and civilians.

At the same time, according to Zelenskyy, Russia intensified shelling at the front on the morning of April 20. The enemy became most active in the Pokrovsk and Siversk directions of the front.

For more details about the Easter ceasefire, how Ukraine and the West responded to it, read our material on the topic.