Russia launched fresh aerial assaults on Ukraine early Monday, bringing an abrupt end to a fragile Easter truce. President Vladimir Putin dismissed Kyiv’s proposal for a month-long pause in strikes on civilian infrastructure, despite mounting pressure for peace talks.
The renewed attacks, confirmed by both Moscow and Kyiv, undermine U.S. President Donald Trump’s hopes for a broader ceasefire. Just hours before, Trump had expressed optimism that a peace agreement could be reached within the week.
“Military action has resumed,” Putin told state media on Monday, after Ukrainian authorities reported overnight drone and artillery strikes. The attacks followed a 30-hour truce that was only partially observed.
Both sides accused each other of numerous violations during the brief ceasefire, initially announced by Putin on Saturday. “But overall, there was a reduction in such activity,” Putin said, claiming the truce had limited success.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had welcomed the pause and said Ukraine would respond “symmetrically” to Russia’s military actions.
Kyiv officials, however, criticized the truce as a political stunt aimed at improving Russia’s global image, especially after Trump warned he might pull back U.S. support for peace efforts unless progress was made.
On Sunday, Zelensky proposed extending the ceasefire for 30 days, focusing on halting long-range drone and missile strikes on civilian areas. “Let us protect our people, our infrastructure,” he urged.
Putin appeared skeptical. He accused Ukraine of using civilian facilities, including restaurants and universities, for military operations. He cited an April 13 strike in Sumy, where Russian missiles hit a university building allegedly used for a military awards ceremony, killing at least 35 people.
“Is it a civilian facility or not?” Putin asked rhetorically. “We need to figure this out,” adding that bilateral talks with Ukraine were still possible.
Earlier Monday, Ukraine reported fresh attacks in the Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions. The Ukrainian Air Force claimed it had shot down 42 Russian drones during the overnight assault that began at 2:00 am.
The ceasefire officially ended at 9:00 pm GMT on Sunday, with both sides reporting decreased fighting during the truce. Ukrainian troops in the east expressed relief over the temporary pause, though most doubted any long-term peace deal was likely.
“I got to spend time with my family,” said military instructor Viktor Danylchuk. “But more truces? Impossible. The enemy keeps attacking.”
Putin’s announcement came just after Trump warned he might abandon diplomatic efforts if no progress was made. On Sunday, Trump expressed renewed hope for a peace deal: “Hopefully Russia and Ukraine will make a deal this week,” he posted on Truth Social.
Trump had previously proposed a full and unconditional ceasefire, which Ukraine accepted but Russia rejected. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Moscow “hopes” U.S. efforts would bear fruit but offered no timeline for potential negotiations.
AFP
