The ceasefire, proposed by international mediators and welcomed by various humanitarian organizations, aimed to allow civilians in the war-torn regions to observe religious traditions and receive aid. However, within hours of its intended start, reports of renewed shelling and drone strikes emerged from multiple fronts, dashing hopes for even a temporary pause in the violence.
Zelensky, addressing the situation in a late-night video message, accused the Kremlin of using religious symbolism to mask ongoing military aggression. “They speak of peace while launching drones and missiles on our cities. These are not words of faith — these are empty, hollow words,” he said, urging international leaders not to be misled by what he described as Russia’s propaganda tactics.
On the other hand, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that Ukrainian forces initiated the breach of the truce by targeting Russian-held positions in the Donbas region. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia had observed the truce “until provoked,” adding that Moscow “regretted” Kyiv’s alleged failure to uphold its end of the agreement.
Independent observers and international humanitarian groups have yet to verify the claims from either side. The United Nations expressed deep disappointment, noting that the breakdown of the truce had hindered aid delivery and endangered civilians, especially in frontline regions such as Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia.
The failure of the Easter truce marks another missed opportunity for de-escalation as the war enters another brutal chapter. With peace talks long stalled and battlefield dynamics constantly shifting, the brief hope of religious unity translating into a cessation of violence has once again been dashed — leaving civilians to bear the brunt of a war with no clear end in sight.
President Zelensky concluded his address by reaffirming Ukraine’s resolve: “We will continue to defend our land, our people, and our faith — not with hollow speeches, but with the truth and strength of our unity.”