Russia, Ukraine trade accusations over truce violations, report over 17,000 attacks

Russia and Ukraine on Monday accused each other of violating an Easter ceasefire, reporting more than 17,000 attacks during a 32-hour truce that came into force Saturday.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said on Telegram that its troops “strictly observed the ceasefire,” remaining at previously held positions.

The ministry reported 6,558 violations, accusing Kyiv of conducting drone and artillery strikes during the truce.

“Despite the declared Easter ceasefire, Ukrainian forces continued drone and artillery strikes on our positions and on civilian targets in Russia’s border regions of Belgorod and Kursk,” said in the statement published on Telegram.

Ukraine’s General Staff, in a separate statement, reported 10,721 violations, claiming Moscow carried out 1,567 artillery attacks, 119 assault operations, and 9,035 kamikaze drone strikes.

Independent verification of the claims remains difficult due to the ongoing war, which entered its fifth year in February.

The ceasefire ended late Sunday (2100GMT) following the 32-hour truce for Orthodox Easter.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the ceasefire Thursday, ordering military commanders to prepare for its implementation and warning that Moscow would respond if Ukraine carried out provocations.

Hours before it took effect, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv would join the initiative and act "in a mirror manner."