Easter truce broken. Kremlin: Putin gave no order to extend it

The Ministry said Ukrainian forces had opened fire at Russian positions 444 times, while over 900 Ukrainian drone attacks were counted, according to Interfax reports. The Ministry of Defence also claimed that the Russian army had taken control of Novomikhailivka in eastern Ukraine before the ceasefire was declared, according to a report by the RIA news agency. For its part, Russia claims to have been 'strictly observing the ceasefire regime since 18.00 hours on 19 April and have remained on the previously occupied lines and positions'.

"We are recording every violation by Russia of its promise of absolute silence throughout the Easter period and we are ready to provide relevant information to our partners," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky writes on Telegram. "In reality, either Putin does not have full control over his army, or the situation shows that in Russia they do not have the goal of a real movement to end the war and only need profitable public relations in the media. It is good that there were no air strikes,' he adds. "Thanks to all the media, podcasters, bloggers and all those who are spreading the truth about what is happening. It is worth broadcasting not only the reports from Moscow, but putting pressure on Moscow to really adopt a complete ceasefire and maintain it for at least 30 days after Easter, to give diplomacy a chance," he concludes. (

Yesterday evening, President Vladimir Putin and Moscow Mayor Sergej Sobjanin joined other worshippers for an Easter service led by the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, a staunch supporter of the Russian leader and a promoter of the war in Ukraine. A few hours after declaring a unilateral ceasefire for Easter, Putin and Sobjanin stood in Moscow's main church, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, while Kirill led a procession, as shown in the video of the service. Holding a thin lit red candle and wearing a dark suit, white shirt and red tie as in past years, the Russian leader made the sign of the cross several times when Kirill announced 'Christ is risen'. The traditionally sung service began late on Saturday evening and lasted until the early hours of Sunday.