Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin accused of breaching ‘Easter truce’ as UK calls for unconditional ceasefire
The foreign ministers of the UK and Italy have urged Russia to agree to an unconditional ceasefire, as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of carrying out strikes despite declaring a temporary “Easter truce”.
Russian president Vladimir Putin said he had ordered a pause in combat operations in Ukraine until midnight on 21 April. However, the Ukrainian president said that Russian artillery fire had not subsided.
“As of now, according to the Commander-in-Chief reports, Russian assault operations continue on several frontline sectors, and Russian artillery fire has not subsided,” Zelensky wrote in a post on X.
Meanwhile, the UK has urged Russia to go beyond a “one-day pause” over the Easter weekend and commit to a full ceasefire in Ukraine.
“Ukraine has committed to a full ceasefire. We urge Russia to do the same,” the UK foreign ministry spokesperson said.
The Ukrainian government said it agrees to accept a US proposal for a 30-day complete ceasefire, provided Russia agrees to the same.
“Now is the moment for Putin to show he is serious about peace by ending his horrible invasion,” the UK foreign ministry said in a statement.
