Moscow claims Ukraine has committed more than 1,300 Easter truce breaches

(MENAFN) The Russian Defense Ministry has reported that Ukrainian forces targeted Russian military positions over 1,300 times in less than 24 hours following the announcement of an Easter truce. The truce, which began at 6:00 pm Moscow time on Saturday and was supposed to last until midnight on Monday, was aimed at reducing hostilities. Russian President Vladimir Putin had instructed the military to remain on high alert, ready to respond to any violations. In response, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said his forces would act "reciprocally."

Despite the truce, the Russian military reported that Ukrainian forces launched assaults on Russian positions in the Sukhaya Balka and Bogatyr areas in Donetsk People's Republic. These attacks were repelled, and Ukrainian troops also used 48 drone strikes, including one in Crimea. Additionally, they fired 444 times with cannons and mortars, and launched 900 drone strikes with quadcopters. Other violations included 12 artillery attacks and 33 UAV strikes, which targeted the border areas of Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod, resulting in civilian casualties and damage.

The Russian military statement emphasized that its forces adhered to the ceasefire, maintaining previously occupied positions and strictly observing the truce. Russian Foreign Ministry ambassador Rodion Miroshnik further accused Ukraine of continuing attacks on residential areas in Donetsk, Lugansk, and Kherson regions, further undermining the ceasefire. Miroshnik expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s ability to honor ceasefire agreements, citing a history of violations.

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