Ukraine, Zelensky: ‘Truce holding but Russian violations continue’

Rome, 20 April (LaPresse) – ’Overall, since Easter morning, we can say that the Russian army is trying to maintain the general impression of a ceasefire, while isolated attempts to advance and inflict losses on Ukraine continue in some areas. Russia must fully comply with the terms of the ceasefire. Ukraine's proposal to implement and extend the ceasefire for 30 days after midnight tonight remains on the table. We will act according to the actual situation on the ground.’ This was stated on social media by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, referring to the truce announced yesterday by Russian President Vladimir Putin for Easter Sunday. ‘Between 6 p.m. yesterday and midnight today, there were 387 shellings and 19 attacks by Russian forces,’ the post reads. Drones were used by the Russians 290 times.’ Zelensky posted a report from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi with detailed information from the front: ’Along several directions of the front, there have already been 59 bombings and 5 assaults by Russian units. In the Starobilsk Tactical Group sector, one battle was documented, in the Donetsk Tactical Group sector, three battles took place – in the directions of Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka – and one battle took place near Stepove, in the direction of Zaporizhia. The enemy carried out dozens of drone attacks. In the Kursk region, Russian forces conducted artillery strikes and used drones. ‘Our soldiers are responding according to the specific combat situation,’ he added. ‘Ukraine will continue to act symmetrically.’