President Zelensky Criticizes Kremlin’s Propaganda “Ceasefire”: Over 2,000 Violations and No Long-Range Strikes
President Volodymyr Zelensky harshly criticized the so-called "Easter ceasefire" announced by Russian occupiers on the eve of Easter. According to him, from the beginning of the day until 8 p.m., Russian forces violated the ceasefire more than two thousand times; however, no long-range strikes were recorded during this period. This indicates the Kremlin’s true intentions and hidden goals, which the Ukrainian leader highlighted in his address to the citizens. Zelensky stated that during this day, 67 armed assaults were recorded across various front-line directions, with the most intense activity in the Pokrovsk area. Additionally, Ukrainian military forces documented 1,355 shellings, including 713 involving heavy weapons, and another 673 used Russian FPV-drone reconnaissance and target designation systems. On key sections of the front line, apparent violations by Russia of the declared "silence mode," intended for peace restoration, are evident. Zelensky emphasized that this is merely a game and manipulation. “Russia has not only broken its promise to cease fire but has almost completely undermined any chance for ceasefire. Almost halfway through the day, the Russians failed to comply with even the minimal agreements on silence and cessation of hostilities,” he stressed. Despite this situation, no alarms sounded in Kyiv on Tuesday — which Zelensky considers an opportunity to continue and solidify the quiet mode. The president is interested in extending the practice of firm silence and sees no obstacle if Ukraine and the international community can maintain this ceasefire for at least 30 days. At the same time, he called on Russia to refrain from launching new long-range missile and drone strikes against civilian objects — a step he believes would serve as an effective test of Russia’s expressed promises. “If Russia does not agree to such an arrangement, it will be clear evidence that its goal is to ignore human life and continue the war. Ukraine offers to de-escalate tensions and avoid new destruction for at least 30 days, with the possibility of further extension,” Zelensky emphasized. “This is an opportunity for both sides to take a step toward the peace that every Ukrainian citizen desires.” The background of this situation is complex. On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an "Easter ceasefire," promising that from the evening of April 19 until midnight on April 21, the occupiers would cease hostilities. Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed they would allegedly adhere to this regime by mutual agreement with Ukraine’s government. In response, Ukrainian authorities immediately stated that such a ceasefire was nothing more than comforting public rhetoric and promised to react mirror-like to any provocations. In his Saturday evening address, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is prepared for any scenario and will respond to any schemes from Russia that violate agreements. He emphasized that genuine peace can only come through concrete steps on the front line and in diplomacy, not just through statements. One thing remains unchanged: Ukrainian military forces and Kyiv do not believe in Russia’s sincerity— they measure actions, not words, especially with regard to violations. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, even during the "Easter ceasefire" days from April 19 to 20, Russian troops carried out 45 combat incidents across all front lines, with over a quarter occurring in the Pokrovsk region. Meanwhile, the Kremlin stated that Vladimir Putin had not issued any order to continue the so-called "Easter ceasefire," and that any promises made by Russia regarding the "silence mode" are baseless. They also hinted that by the night of April 21, the promise to cease hostilities would remain more a wish than a reality. Thus, the situation remains tense, and Ukrainians continue to monitor Russia's actions, striving to preserve every opportunity for peace and stopping the war. It is clear that real ceasefire depends not on dictator’s statements but on concrete, consistent steps to uphold diplomatic agreements and cease military actions, which would bring long-awaited peace and stability to Ukraine.