Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the situation at the front lines following a report from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi, emphasizing that despite official attempts by Russia to create the illusion of a ceasefire, hostilities in all key directions do not cease; on the contrary – they continue with increased intensity
In a short video address published on the President’s Telegram channel, Zelensky stated that Ukrainian troops are constantly repelling Russian attacks, responding to any signs of aggression, and acting accordingly to the frontline situation. According to the data presented by Syrskyi in the report as of 6 a.m. on April 20, Russian units carried out 59 shelling attacks and conducted five assault operations on different parts of the frontline. This indicates that fighting remains tense and the chaos of war is not slowing down. In his report, General Syrskyi noted that the situation at the front remains difficult: in the so-called "Starobilsk" operational zone, one combat engagement was recorded, while in the "Donetsk" direction – three fights near Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka, and on the Zaporizhzhia front – another clash near Stepove. At the same time, the enemy deploys dozens of FPV drones for reconnaissance and attacks, complicating the situation for Ukrainian defenders. Russian artillery and drone activity has also been recorded in Kursk region, and Ukrainian soldiers respond adequately — within the limits of specific combat circumstances and capabilities. Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian forces are acting in a mirror manner, not making concessions, and responding to enemy provocations, as the task of the Ukrainian army is to defend the country and its citizens. According to the information released by the President, from 6 p.m. yesterday until midnight today, Russian occupiers carried out over 387 shellings and 19 assault operations across Ukraine. They actively used drones, which monitoring organizations like DeepState have counted at approximately 290 deployments. Ukraine remains in a state of maximum alert and responds to any signs of the enemy. Against the backdrop of Russia’s official announcement of a "Easter ceasefire," Zelensky underscored that this initiative, declared by Vladimir Putin, does not actually hold in practice. During the so-called "ceasefire," the aggressors continue assault operations and artillery shelling, and on some parts of the front, the situation remains tense with no significant changes. After a late evening meeting on April 19 and in his comments, Zelensky clearly stated that Russia's promise to cease hostilities, particularly in Kursk and Belgorod regions, is not perceived by Ukraine as genuine. They note that shelling has not stopped in other directions either, and Russian forces continue efforts to advance on some parts of the frontline, aiming to achieve their tactical objectives and create an impression of a peace illusion. Overall, as of Easter, the situation remains difficult, but under control — Ukrainian defenders are responding appropriately and demonstrating resilience even amidst active armed provocations by Russia. The Ministry of Defense and the General Staff assured that the Ukrainian army will continue to act in response to any aggressive actions, aiming to halt the enemy and secure victory. At the same time, the international community and Ukrainian delegations call for full adherence to the conditions of silence established for the international truce, as the real state of affairs on the front continues to tell a different story — hostilities and active artillery and drone work persist, and the ceasefire remains only on paper.