Easter Truce Collapses as Ukraine Vows to Match Russian Attacks Blow-for-Blow

Easter Truce Collapses as Ukraine Vows to Match Russian Attacks Blow-for-Blow A brief ceasefire for the Orthodox Easter holiday has shattered, with Ukraine and Russia trading thousands of accusations over violations and Kyiv promising a forceful military response. The attempted truce, which took effect in some areas on Sunday, broke down amid mutual claims of shelling and continued combat operations. Ukrainian officials reported Russian attacks in the eastern Donetsk region during the ceasefire period, while Russian authorities claimed Ukrainian forces never stopped fighting [127058][126765]. In response to the surge in hostilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that his military would answer Russian attacks with equal force. He described the planned response as "symmetrical," signaling a potential escalation in the conflict [127229][126699]. The failure of the temporary peace follows a long pattern of collapsed humanitarian pauses since the war began. The rapid return to active combat underscores the deep distrust between the warring sides, with no new peace talks currently scheduled [127058]. In cities like Kharkiv, the brief lull brought little relief. Residents reported spending the holiday in basements, using moments of quiet to cook traditional Easter bread but expecting fighting to resume. "We need real peace, not just a pause," one Kharkiv resident said, a sentiment echoed by others who have seen similar truces fail [126704][126537]. Military analysts warn that intense combat is likely to restart, with both sides preparing for what may be a critical new phase of the war [126704]. Ukraine Vows "Symmetrical" Response to Russian Attacks Easter Truce Shattered, Russia and Ukraine Trade Blame Ukraine Vows "Symmetrical" Response to Russian Attacks Ukraine, Russia Trade Blame as Easter Cease-Fire Falters Easter Truce Brings Ukrainians Fear, Not Faith Easter Truce Breaks, But Not the War