A one-day Easter ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin has broken down, with both Russia and Ukraine blaming each other for hundreds of violations. The truce, intended to last until midnight Moscow time on Sunday, failed to hold as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported 67 Russian assaults in one day, accusing Moscow of using the ceasefire as a public relations tactic rather than a genuine peace gesture.
Zelenskiy emphasized that either Putin has lost control of his forces or that Russia is not serious about ending the war. He urged for a 30-day extension, particularly a halt to drone and missile attacks on civilians. Despite the attacks, he noted there were no air raid sirens on Sunday, suggesting some potential for a longer truce.
Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed Ukraine had violated the ceasefire over 1,000 times, including 900 drone strikes, causing civilian casualties and damage. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed there would be no extension of the truce.
The ceasefire breakdown casts doubt on U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for a peace deal, though he remained optimistic that progress could come “this week.” Trump previously proposed a 30-day truce, which Ukraine accepted. Washington and Kyiv are also discussing a minerals agreement, while the U.S. may consider easing sanctions on Russia’s energy sector if a peace deal is reached.
Ukrainian soldiers expressed skepticism, calling the ceasefire a "blatant lie." Putin has instructed his military to respond "in full" if Ukraine continues hostilities, framing the truce as a test of Kyiv’s willingness to negotiate. Despite the failure, Zelenskiy encouraged Ukrainians to maintain hope, marking Easter with a message of resilience.