Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of committing hundreds of violations during a short ceasefire declared for Orthodox Easter, casting doubt on hopes for even a temporary pause in fighting. According to the Ukrainian military, Russian forces carried out 2,299 violations since the truce began on Saturday afternoon. In response, Russia’s defence ministry claimed Ukrainian forces were responsible for 1,971 breaches, including attempted counter-attacks in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The conflicting accounts highlight the deep mistrust between the two sides as the war continues. Ukrainian Pr

Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of committing hundreds of violations during a short ceasefire declared for Orthodox Easter, casting doubt on hopes for even a temporary pause in fighting.

According to the Ukrainian military, Russian forces carried out 2,299 violations since the truce began on Saturday afternoon. In response, Russia’s defence ministry claimed Ukrainian forces were responsible for 1,971 breaches, including attempted counter-attacks in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The conflicting accounts highlight the deep mistrust between the two sides as the war continues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country would respond “symmetrically” to any attacks, while expressing hope that the Easter ceasefire could be extended to allow for meaningful peace negotiations. However, Russia dismissed the idea of prolonging the truce, indicating that military operations would resume after the holiday.

Despite the ceasefire, Ukraine reported ongoing hostilities, including dozens of attacks and nearly 2,000 drone strikes by Russian forces, though no missiles or bombs were used. In the northern Sumy region, a drone strike reportedly hit an ambulance, injuring three medics.

Meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine of launching multiple overnight attacks and attempting advances in several regions, including Sumy and Donetsk. Russian officials said these efforts were successfully repelled.

The ceasefire was unilaterally announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had previously resisted calls for a temporary halt in fighting. Although both sides had initially agreed to reduce hostilities, early reports of violations quickly escalated into broader accusations.

In a rare sign of cooperation, both countries confirmed a prisoner exchange involving 175 detainees each, including civilians. However, on the frontlines, both soldiers and civilians remain sceptical about the effectiveness of such temporary truces.

The conflict, which began in 2022, shows little sign of ending soon. Ukraine continues to push for a comprehensive ceasefire as a pathway to peace, supported by its European allies. Russia, however, insists that any ceasefire must come as part of a broader peace agreement, raising further doubts about the prospects for a lasting resolution.

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