Russia announces end of ‘Easter truce,’ resumes its ‘special military operation’

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated this in an official announcement.

After the end of the Easter truce, which lasted from 6:00 p.m. on April 19 to 12:00 a.m. on April 21, Russia announced the continuation of the so-called "special military operation."

In its statement, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that its troops "strictly observed the ceasefire" during this period, remaining at previously held positions. The ministry also accused Ukraine of violating the terms of the truce.

According to the Russian ministry, the Ukrainian Armed Forces allegedly continued attacks, including artillery strikes and drone use, against Russian military positions.

Putin’s ‘Easter truce’

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin unilaterally declared an "Easter truce" starting at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 19.

Leading up to 6:00 p.m., air raid alerts continued in Kyiv, and Russian drones were shot down over the capital’s Left Bank.

At 5:30 p.m., Russia launched a missile strike on Izyum in the Kharkiv region. Even after the announced start of the truce, Russian FPV drones continued hitting targets in the Kherson region.

After 9:00 p.m. on April 19, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief briefed President Zelenskyy with updated information from all frontline sectors regarding the implementation of Putin’s so-called “Easter truce.” At that time, it was reported that while some areas had quieted down, others remained active with ongoing hostilities.

As of the morning of Easter, April 20, the Russian army tried to create the overall impression of a ceasefire on the front but continued isolated attempts to advance and inflict losses on Ukraine.

Russian forces also used the "truce" on April 20 to prepare for renewed assaults in the area of responsibility of Ukraine's 66th Brigade named after Prince Mstyslav the Brave.