By: Dim Amor

Moscow declared a ceasefire for the Orthodox Easter holiday, but Ukrainian civilians continue to suffer from relentless attacks. Reports from the ground indicate that the promise remains hollow.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly announced a temporary ceasefire in honor of the Orthodox Easter holiday, the reality on the ground tells a completely different story. Residents of many Ukrainian cities reported heavy bombardments that continued without interruption, with direct hits on residential buildings just today.

"Some ceasefire", said one local resident sarcastically whose home was damaged in the latest bombing. "We are supposed to be celebrating the holy holiday, and instead we find ourselves hiding in shelters".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Russian declaration in a speech delivered last night: "We have no trust in Putin's words. His promises are worth nothing". He added that "the strategy of bombing people who are celebrating Easter is a cruel and inhumane act".

This is not the first time Russia has violated declared ceasefires. International security experts note that the gap between the Kremlin's official statements and the reality on the ground continues to widen as the war persists.

The world discovers time and again that the Russian president is a liar, that declarations of ceasefire are primarily media maneuvers designed to improve Putin's image in the eyes of the international community, while in practice the attacks continue.

The targeted attacks during religious holidays reflect a calculated strategy on Russia's part. There is a deliberate attempt here to damage the morale of the Ukrainian population during times that should be joyful and sacred.

This policy has drawn harsh historical comparisons. Several senior Ukrainian leaders have called Putin a "devil" and have even dared to compare him to dark leaders from the past such as Adolf Hitler, claiming that he is pursuing a policy of indiscriminate destruction and killing.

When you bomb residential buildings while residents are celebrating one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar, you cross a moral red line; it demonstrates a complete disregard for human life. It demonstrates a complete disregard for human life.

In the international community, there are growing calls to increase sanctions against Russia following the repeated violations of declared ceasefires. Representatives of Western countries at the UN Assembly expressed deep shock at the continued attacks on civilians during a religious holiday.

The Russian "Ceasefire" – Another Deception from Putin's Workshop

The shattered residential buildings in Kherson stand as living testimony to Vladimir Putin's absolute hypocrisy. "Ceasefire"? Who actually placed faith in this promise? Are these not the same buildings that sustained attacks from Russian unmanned aerial vehicles mere moments after the supposed "unilateral ceasefire" was to take effect, which our contemporary Tsar declared for the Easter holiday?

This is the embodiment of cynicism in its purest form – to declare a ceasefire on a sacred date, and then rain shells upon the dwellings of innocent civilians. Is there a clearer expression of absolute contempt for basic human values?

As a senior commander in the Ukrainian army stated: "There is no ceasefire in existence. On all fronts, the Russians continue firing, without any change". His words do not arouse wonder. When did Putin last honor his word?

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, articulated it precisely when he said: "Putin has now declared his supposed willingness for a ceasefire. Thirty hours instead of thirty days. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a long history of his declarations, which do not align with his actions".

The world still regards Putin's declarations as if they hold some value, as if they are worthy of the paper on which they are written. However, history consistently teaches us: Putin's promises are merely tools in his strategic game, devoid of any real value.

"We know that his words cannot be trusted", added Sybiha, "and we will judge him by his actions, not by his statements".

It is time for the international community to adopt this approach. The time has come to cease treating Moscow's declarations as something worthy of attention, and to begin looking solely at actions on the battlefield.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister also reminded us of the fact that "Russia can agree at any time to the proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire for thirty days, which has been on the table since March". That same ceasefire which, according to both sides, has been violated repeatedly.

But are both sides truly equally culpable? In my opinion, the answer is clear as day. While Ukraine struggles for its survival, for its sovereignty, Russia continues its cynical power games, trampling every possible international norm.

A "ceasefire" in Putin's mouth is like "peace" in the mouth of a tyrant – an empty word intended to serve only his personal interests. The destroyed residential buildings in Kherson are the chilling evidence of this.

To the 'Maakav' agency, a Red Cross spokesperson stated: 'We are documenting every violation of the ceasefire. We have teams deployed throughout the combat zone, reporting on strikes against civilian residences and public institutions, in complete contradiction to the official statements emanating from the Kremlin. At our disposal are field personnel who testify to impacts on residential homes and community buildings, in total contrast to the claims declared by Moscow'.

The human distress continues with intensity. Medical facilities in the area report a new wave of casualties following the recent air attacks. Many families were forced to conduct Easter ceremonies in underground shelters, where the sounds of prayers and hymns were swallowed by the echoing thunder of falling shells.

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