Russia trying to create 'general impression' of a ceasefire, but continuing attacks, Zelenskyy says
LONDON and KYIV -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that the Russian military was "attempting to create the general impression of a ceasefire," but there were also "isolated attempts to advance and inflict losses on Ukraine."
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on Saturday an "Easter truce" in the war against Ukraine, saying that the Russian side would cease military action from 6 p.m. local time Saturday night until midnight on Monday, April 21.
Zelenskyy issued statements throughout the weekend updating what he said were violations to the truce by Russia. As of 8 p.m. local time Sunday, Zelenskyy says Ukraine has recorded 67 Russian assaults against Ukrainian positions.
"There were a total of 1,355 cases of Russian shelling, 713 of which involved heavy weaponry. The Russians also used FPVs [drones] 673 times," he said.
Zelenskyy said there had been no air raid alerts in Ukraine on Sunday and proposed "to cease any strikes using long-range drones and missiles on civilian infrastructure for a period of at least 30 days, with the possibility of extension. If Russia does not agree to such a step, it will be proof that it intends to continue doing only those things which destroy human lives and prolong the war."
Zelenskyy did not say whether Ukraine agreed to Putin's truce, but called it "yet another attempt by Putin to play with human lives."
Zelenskyy on Sunday added a reminder about Ukraine's proposal to implement and extend the ceasefire for 30 days after Sunday night remains on the table. He added that Ukraine will act "in accordance with the actual situation on the ground."
