Ukraine and Russia trade accusations over Easter ceasefire violations

Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of carrying out thousands of violations during a temporary Easter ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian forces would respond 'symmetrically' to any attacks, describing Easter as a time of peace and expressing hope that the truce could be extended to support stalled peace negotiations. Russia rejected extending the pause, stating that its attacks would resume after the holiday.

Ukraine’s military reported that Russian troops launched 28 attacks and nearly 2,000 drone strikes during the ceasefire period, though it said bombs and missiles were not used. In the Sumy region, a Russian drone strike reportedly hit an ambulance, injuring three medics. Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry accused Ukrainian forces of launching overnight attacks in several regions and said attempted advances in Sumy and Donetsk were thwarted.

Despite the accusations, both sides confirmed a prisoner exchange involving 175 prisoners of war each, including seven civilians per side. Ukrainian officials and European allies continue to push for a broader ceasefire as a first step toward ending the war, while Moscow maintains that a comprehensive peace agreement must come before any lasting halt to the fighting.