Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Russia announced an "Easter truce" but does not observe it. Russian troops continue shelling the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Sumy Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, and Donbas.

Starting from 10 a. m. on April 20, Russia increased the number of shellings and drone use, despite Putin's statement about an "Easter truce". Ukraine records all violations and provides information to partners.

Russia announced an "Easter truce" but immediately continued offensive operations and shelling, indicating its violation. According to ISW, the Russian Federation is likely using this for manipulation and seeking to earn US favor.

American channel Fox News showed the Easter service from Moscow at night, calling Kyiv a Russian city, then corrected the caption. Zelenskyy stated that the media should pressure Moscow for a ceasefire, not broadcast services from there.

Russian troops are slightly retreating in the area of Kotlyne in the Pokrovsk direction, despite the enemy's maximum efforts in this sector of the front. Meanwhile, street fighting in Chasiv Yar does not stop.

Great Britain called on Russia to commit to a full ceasefire, not just a one-day pause. Complete silence would allow for negotiations on a just and lasting peace, the British Foreign Office said.

During the night broadcast, Fox News showed a service of the OCU from Kyiv, mistakenly indicating it as Russia. Later, the channel corrected the label to Kyiv, Ukraine.

Over the past day, 127 combat engagements occurred on the front. In the Pokrovsk direction, the Defense Forces stopped 39 enemy assault actions.

On Easter night, April 20, in Ustyluh, Volyn, border guards met the Holy Fire. The shrine arrived from Warsaw and is heading further through Ukraine.

In his Easter address, President Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainians are overcoming a difficult path and will turn the thrown stones into the foundation of the future. The people pray for defenders, prisoners, and the victory of the spirit.

President Zelenskyy reported that Russia is trying to create an impression of silence, but active battles continue at the front. According to Syrskyi, the enemy carried out hundreds of shellings and dozens of assaults recently.

President Zelenskyy called the Russian army one of the biggest threats to churches and believers. During the years of war, the Russian Federation killed 67 priests and destroyed 640 religious sites in Ukraine.

The EU skeptically assessed Putin's statement about the "Easter truce". The European Union stated that Russia must prove its intentions to stop aggression with real actions, as words do not correspond to reality.

Amid fears over US support, Ukraine has sharply increased the production of Bohdana SPGs, in which Europe is investing. Output exceeded 20 units per month, which makes production unprecedented in Europe.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani doubts that Russia will observe the "Easter truce". The Kremlin's statements about silence do not correspond to the real situation on parts of the front.

Zelenskyy after Syrskyi's report confirmed that the 'silence' regime declared by the Kremlin is not working in the Kursk, Belgorod regions, and on part of the front. Russian strikes continue, and Ukraine's actions will be mirrored.

Over the past day, April 19, 107 combat engagements were recorded on the front. A third of them occurred in the Pokrovsk direction, where the enemy lost 165 occupiers.

Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha doubts the effectiveness of the 30-hour "Easter truce" announced by Putin. Ukraine agreed to 30 days of silence at the proposal of the United States from March 11 and is ready if Russia ceases fire.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian assaults continue on some parts of the front and artillery fire does not subside. Ukraine does not trust Moscow's words and is ready to respond mirror-like to every strike.

President Zelensky stated that Ukraine proposes to extend the ceasefire after the Easter period on April 20. This will happen if full silence truly prevails at the front.

Ukraine will act reciprocally regarding a full ceasefire if Russia adheres to it, and proposes to extend it after April 20. Due to continued attacks, Kyiv does not trust Moscow, stressing that peace requires 30 days, not 30 hours.

An AFU officer told the BBC that his unit received an order to cease fire minutes after the start of Putin's "truce". They are also ordered to record violations and return fire.

Giorgia Meloni's translator publicly apologized for a stumble during a meeting with Donald Trump. Due to the hitch, the Italian Prime Minister had to translate herself, which the translator called a "terrible failure," justifying the interruption by the importance of the meeting.

Head of the GUR Budanov released a video of how soldiers released from captivity react to returning to Ukraine. Ombudsman Lubinets showed the conversation of a soldier with his mother: "Mom, I endured everything".

Russia announced an "Easter ceasefire," but continues fire in all directions, especially in the East. According to the NSDC and the OP, strikes on civilians are being recorded, particularly on a house in Kherson.

The MFA of Ukraine responded to Putin's statement about a 30-hour "truce". Kyiv stated that it will look at actions, not words, and reminded of its agreement to a 30-day ceasefire at the suggestion of the USA, which the Russian Federation refused.

As a result of the 63rd exchange and actions outside of it, 277 Ukrainians have been returned: 246 soldiers were exchanged, 31 were released separately. These are defenders from different directions who will now meet Easter at home.

President Zelenskyy announced the return of 277 Ukrainian soldiers from Russian captivity. Among those released are servicemen of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Special Transport Service, and border guards who defended various fronts.

Volodymyr Zelensky called Putin's "Easter truce" a game, as Ukraine is being attacked by drones. He also reported on the advance of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Belgorod region.

Kharkiv suffered a missile attack, which resulted in one person killed and nearly 120 wounded. Currently, 18 injured, including four children, are in hospitals, 50 houses and over 30 cars were damaged.