As of 20:00 on 20 April, the Russian army violated the “Easter truce” announced by the Kremlin more than 2,000 times, carrying out dozens of assaults and hundreds of attacks along the entire frontline. This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, referring to the report of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi.
“As of this hour, the Russian army has violated Putin’s ceasefire more than 2,000 times since the beginning of the day. There have already been 67 assaults, most of them in the Pokrovske sector. 1355 attacks have been recorded, including 713 from heavy weapons, as well as **673 use of FPV drones,” the Head of State said.
Truce only on paper
In fact, on all major frontlines, Russia has ignored its own promise of silence. The President noted that the Kremlin did not have even one day to support the Ukrainian initiative to cease hostilities for the Easter holidays:
“It took Russia almost a whole day to respond to our Ukrainian proposal of complete silence from Easter for 30 days,” Zelenskyy said.
Silence in the skies – a chance for a humanitarian move
Despite the violations at the frontline, no air raid alerts were sounded in Ukraine on Sunday. This, according to the President, demonstrates that it is possible to maintain silence – at least from the air.
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is ready to extend its abstention from long-range strikes, including missiles and drones against civilian infrastructure, for 30 days with the possibility of extension. But it all depends on Russia’s steps:
“If Russia does not agree to such a step, it will be proof that it wants to continue to do nothing but destroy lives and prolong the war.”
