Zelenskyy Warns of Russian Ceasefire Deception as Strikes Hit Ukraine [Updated]

Russia has announced a temporary ceasefire for the Easter holiday, yet Ukraine’s front lines remain under attack. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Moscow is using the ceasefire as a public relations move, not a genuine break from the violence. Overnight, Ukrainian officials reported ongoing shelling and drone strikes in multiple regions even as promised truces supposedly took effect.

International observers are watching closely. Many leaders, including in the EU and US, have questioned Russia's motives and demanded proof these ceasefire pledges are more than empty words. As the fighting drags on, global concerns about civilian safety and fair humanitarian measures continue to mount.

Zelenskyy’s Warning: Exposing Russian Ceasefire Deception

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken out against Russia’s recent ceasefire announcement. He claims Moscow’s truce is a smokescreen rather than a true offer of peace. Ukrainian officials and international media report that despite the official ceasefire, Russian attacks did not stop. This raises concerns about Russia’s intentions and highlights the heavy toll on civilians.

Putin’s Announced Easter Truce and Ongoing Assaults

Russia declared a 30-hour Orthodox Easter ceasefire, meant to give a window of calm across the front lines. This announcement was widely publicized as a gesture of goodwill for the Easter holiday. However, Ukrainian leaders quickly pointed out that while the Kremlin broadcast the truce, shelling and drone strikes continued in several regions.

• Timing and Promises: The ceasefire was set to begin at midnight and run through the Easter services. Moscow claimed it wanted to spare Orthodox worshippers from violence.
• Reality on the Ground: Ukrainian military reports stated that Russian forces carried out dozens of attacks during the announced truce. Zelenskyy argued this was an attempt to “create an impression” of peace without any genuine halt to the violence.
• Global Reaction: Ukraine’s allies in Europe and North America echoed President Zelenskyy’s skepticism, calling for proof that the ceasefire was more than a “public relations exercise.” You can read more in ABC News’ report on Easter ceasefire doubts.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

Zelenskyy’s public statements warn international partners not to be “deceived” by Russia’s announcements, urging them to judge by actions on the ground. As Sky News reported, he called for a hard look at Russia’s real intentions and concrete proof of a true ceasefire.

Civilian Impact: Continued Shelling and Casualties

Despite the truce, attacks on Ukrainian cities and villages persisted. Hospitals, homes, and vital infrastructure faced continued shelling, leading to new casualties and a climate of fear for many civilians.

• Attacks on Hospitals: Several medical centers reportedly came under fire during the supposed ceasefire. Emergency workers struggled to keep up as new patients arrived even during the holiday.
• Residential Areas Targeted: Homes and apartment buildings in frontline regions were hit by rockets and drones. Many families spent Easter in shelters and basements.
• Important Infrastructure Suffered: Critical power supplies and water facilities, already worn down by months of war, took additional damage during the truce.
• Casualty Reports: Ukrainian authorities reported deaths and injuries over Easter weekend, contradicting Russia’s claims of a calm front.

These incidents underscore Zelenskyy’s claim that the ceasefire offer did not bring real relief to the population. Civilian suffering continues despite diplomatic gestures. As covered by ABC News, local leaders and civilians express doubt that Russian promises have any truth behind them.

Ukrainian leadership keeps sharing updates with their allies, urging a fact-based view of the situation and emphasizing the need for real action—not just well-timed words—if there’s to be any real peace.

Russia’s Track Record: Ceasefire Violations and Tactical Motives

When Russia proposes a ceasefire, skepticism runs deep across Ukraine and the international community. History tells us that these offers have rarely brought lasting peace. Instead, ceasefire announcements often mask a pattern of violations and calculated tactics designed to strengthen Russian positions on the battlefield and in diplomatic arenas.

Historical Patterns of Deception

Moscow has a long history of calling for temporary truces during key moments, especially around religious holidays or critical battles. Yet, past experience shows these agreements are frequently broken.

• During the 2023 Orthodox Christmas, Russia announced a one-day truce to allow Orthodox worshippers the chance to celebrate in peace. Despite this public pledge, the Ukrainian military and outside watchdogs documented continued attacks—missile volleys, artillery fire, and drone strikes—across several regions. Russian shelling did not pause, making the truce purely symbolic. As detailed by CNN’s coverage on Russia’s truce strategy, these offers often serve more for headlines than for halting violence.
• This pattern isn’t limited to Ukraine’s current war. Since 2014, ceasefires brokered under international agreements like the Minsk deals were breached by Russian-backed forces almost immediately after signatures dried. The Institute for the Study of War breaks down how these violations have recurred since the very start of Ukraine’s struggle.
• Similar trends emerged in Syria, where Russia’s role in pushing for and later breaking ceasefires allowed renewed airstrikes or tactical shifts in contested areas. The cycle repeated: announce a truce, violate it, blame the other side, repeat.

This stance—agreeing to the terms publicly, then ignoring them on the ground—undercuts trust in any Russian ceasefire offer. President Zelenskyy’s warnings reflect a broader lesson learned through years of broken promises.

Leveraging Ceasefires for Military Gain

Each Russian ceasefire announcement isn’t just about public relations. These periods, whether observed or violated, deliver real tactical benefits to Moscow’s forces and diplomatic agenda.

• Ceasefires give Russian troops the chance to rest, resupply, and rotate to the front. Reported by CNN’s analysis of Russia’s truce motives, any pause—even if partial—can allow commanders to move equipment, reinforce vulnerable sectors, and prepare for renewed offensives.
• Announcing truces during holidays grabs the attention of global media and sends mixed signals to Western observers. The Kremlin can claim the moral high ground while planning covert moves.
• Ceasefire periods, even short or violated ones, are used to influence negotiations. Russia often argues later that it "tried" to pause fighting, shifting blame for any breakdown onto Ukraine. As Lawfare’s legal commentary highlights, ceasefires can give cover to diplomatic delays or shifts in territorial claims.
• On the battlefield and beyond, every announcement becomes a tool—whether for sowing confusion, testing responses, or tightening control over contested areas.

The recurring cycle is clear: Moscow announces a truce, gains a tactical or diplomatic edge, then resumes attacks. In this way, Russia uses ceasefires not as bridges to peace but as chess moves, buying space for its next strategic action.