Zelenskyy comments on Putin's Easter truce

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has denounced a Russian drone strike that occurred just hours after the start of a declared Easter truce, calling it proof of Vladimir Putin’s blatant disregard for both the holiday and human life.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin following a drone attack on the evening of Saturday, April 19, describing it as a stark demonstration of Russia's disregard for both the Easter holiday and human life.

In a statement published on Telegram, Zelenskyy responded to the attack, which took place shortly after 5:00 p.m., despite Russia’s earlier declaration of a ceasefire. “Putin’s latest attempt to manipulate human lives is unfolding as air-raid sirens echo across Ukraine,” he said. “At 17:15, Russian attack drones were spotted in our skies. Ukrainian air defense systems and aircraft are actively engaged in protecting the country. The Shahed drones flying over Ukraine this evening clearly reflect Putin’s true attitude toward Easter and toward human lives.”

The Russian president had earlier declared a unilateral Easter truce, set to begin on the evening of April 19 and continue through midnight on April 21, supposedly halting hostilities in observance of the holiday. Russia’s Defence Ministry stated that its forces would honor the ceasefire, provided that Ukrainian forces did the same.

However, Saturday evening’s drone activity casts significant doubt on the sincerity of Russia’s intentions. Ukrainian authorities report that their air defenses were immediately activated in response to the incoming threat, undermining claims of a mutual pause in military operations.

The incident further fuels skepticism from Kyiv and its allies about Moscow's commitment to peace, even temporarily, and reinforces concerns that the ceasefire declaration was more of a public relations move than a genuine humanitarian gesture.

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