Kyiv, April 21, 2025 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has challenged Russia to halt drone and missile strikes on civilian infrastructure for at least 30 days to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace. This call comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin unilaterally announced an Easter ceasefire over the weekend — a move Zelenskyy condemned as a “PR exercise” after reports of thousands of violations by Russian forces.
According to Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Russia continued using heavy weapons, and shelling even increased after the supposed ceasefire began on Saturday evening. Zelenskyy emphasized that no air raid alerts were recorded on Sunday, but stressed that a meaningful 30-day cessation of long-range strikes would be the real test of Russia’s intentions. “If Russia does not agree to such a step, it will prove they intend only to continue destroying lives and prolonging the war,” he said.
Field reports indicate mixed conditions on the ground. Some Ukrainian soldiers told Agence France-Presse (AFP) they noticed a lull in fighting, with reduced drone and artillery activity in the Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regions. “Several assaults were recorded, but those were solitary incidents involving small groups,” said a drone unit commander. Other soldiers noted it was quieter than usual, with fewer explosions and visible signs of conflict.
However, frontline troops reported continued Russian attacks despite the supposed truce. Denys Bobkov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s 37th Separate Marine Brigade, told The Guardian that shelling and assaults persisted, describing Sunday as “just another day of war.” Zelenskyy commented on the situation, stating, “Either Putin does not have full control over his army, or Russia has no real intention of ending the war — only an interest in favourable PR coverage.”
As the clock passed midnight into Monday and the ceasefire expired, air raid alerts resumed in eastern and southeastern Ukraine. Zelenskyy ordered Ukrainian forces to mirror Russia’s actions, stating, “We will respond to silence with silence, our strikes will be to protect against Russian strikes.”
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in, claiming on social media that a peace breakthrough could happen “within days,” suggesting both countries would soon benefit from renewed business ties with the United States. The White House has not provided further details on Trump’s statement.
As the conflict grinds into its 1,153rd day, Ukraine’s leadership remains skeptical of Russia’s true intentions, pressing for tangible actions over symbolic gestures.