Ukrainian forces reported a significant increase in Russian drone attacks following a 30-hour ‘Easter truce’ declared by Moscow, highlighting skepticism surrounding the Kremlin’s intentions. Beginning shortly after midnight on Monday, air raid alerts were issued across multiple regions, including Kyiv, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia, signaling an immediate return to heightened alert levels. In the southern city of Mykolaiv, residents reported hearing explosions, though initial reports indicated no casualties or damage.
The Russian defense ministry confirmed resuming hostilities, stating its forces had “strictly observed the ceasefire” and remained in previously occupied positions. However, Ukrainian officials vehemently disputed these claims, asserting that 1,882 cases of shelling were recorded during the truce period, with 812 involving heavy weaponry, primarily concentrated in eastern Ukraine near the strategically important logistics hub of Pokrovsk.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the ceasefire as a ‘PR exercise,’ arguing it was intended to create a false impression of peace. He stated that Ukraine would continue its defensive operations and respond to any Russian aggression with calculated strikes. Earlier on Sunday, Zelensky proposed halting long-range drone and missile attacks against civilian infrastructure for at least 30 days.
According to Ukrainian air force reports, Russia launched an unprecedented 96 drones overnight, alongside two missiles targeting Mykolaiv and a third aimed at Kherson. Regional head Vitaliy Kim confirmed the missile strikes in Mykolaiv, stating there were no casualties or damage reported. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated President Putin had not ordered an extension of the truce.
The initial ceasefire followed a declaration by President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, ordering all military actions to cease from 18:00 Moscow time (15:00 GMT) until midnight Sunday. However, both sides quickly accused each other of violating the agreement, with over 1,800 instances of shelling recorded by Ukraine.
Adding a layer of geopolitical complexity, US President Donald Trump expressed hope for a Russian-Ukrainian deal this week. Meanwhile, Washington reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a full and comprehensive ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. The situation remains fluid, with international observers expressing concern over the continued violence and the reliability of declared truces.
