The temporary Easter ceasefire declared between Russia and Ukraine has officially ended, with both nations accusing each other of violating the truce throughout the 30-hour period.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced a unilateral ceasefire from Saturday evening through midnight on Sunday, April 20, 2025, citing humanitarian reasons. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported continued Russian aggression, including 59 artillery strikes, five ground assaults, and multiple drone attacks. He accused Moscow of trying to project a false sense of peace while continuing its military operations.
In turn, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed Ukrainian forces had breached the ceasefire over 1,000 times, alleging damage to civilian infrastructure and casualties.
The United States expressed support for extending the ceasefire, emphasizing the need for a broader truce to aid ongoing peace negotiations. Despite this, the Kremlin confirmed it would not prolong the ceasefire beyond the original timeframe.
As fighting resumes, hopes for meaningful progress in the Russia–Ukraine peace talks appear increasingly fragile.
