Russia violates ‘Easter truce,’ uses it to amass troops, Ukraine says

Russian forces used the so-called 30-hour Easter truce to build up troops on the Kharkiv front, Ukraine’s Khartiia (Charter) 13th National Guard Brigade told state broadcaster Suspilne.

Despite Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin’s declared ceasefire, Russian drones targeted Ukrainian defense positions during that period.

“The enemy is using the so-called ‘Easter truce’ to reinforce its manpower,” the brigade said.

Ukrainian units, in turn, limited themselves to defensive operations and the Kremlin has stated it has resumed hostilities. 

“We only respond to enemy attacks and assaults to protect the lives and health of our soldiers and to maintain our defensive positions,” Khartiia said.

Putin announced a unilateral “Easter truce” on April 19 and reportedly ordered a ceasefire. The pause in fighting was expected to last until April 21.

However, Russian forces continued their attacks despite Kremlin claims, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as reported by Radio Free Europe/RadioLiberty. 

Russia launched 387 aerial strikes and carried out 19 assault operations over the course of the so-called truce. Drones were used 290 times.

Zelenskyy later said Ukraine is willing to join a full ceasefire arrangement and would respond in kind to Russian actions – “silence for silence, strikes only in defense.”

The Kremlin later claimed that Putin had not ordered an extension of the “Easter truce” and instead accused Kyiv of violating the pause in hostilities.