Kiev, 20 April 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russian artillery fire has not stopped despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's declaration of a ceasefire in Ukraine over Easter.

Russian artillery could "still be heard in certain directions of the front, regardless of the Russian leader's promise of silence," Zelensky wrote on X, citing a report from his commander-in-chief.

"The Kursk and Belgorod regions — Easter statements by Putin did not extend to this territory. Hostilities continue, and Russian strikes persist."

He added that in some areas, the situation had become quieter.

The ceasefire covers Easter Sunday, the height of the Christian calendar, which falls on Sunday this year for all Orthodox and Western Christians.

Zelensky wrote that the proposal for a "full and unconditional 30-day silence" remained on the table.

"The answer to it must come from Moscow. Ukraine, together with our partners, is ready to move toward peace as constructively as possible, but same readiness is required from Russia."

Photo: MIA archive