Russia-Ukraine Easter ceasefire collapses after 469 violations

Attempts to enforce a temporary Easter ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine broke down on Saturday, April 12, 2026, as both sides traded accusations of breaches. The 32-hour ceasefire, announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin following an earlier proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, quickly unraveled with Ukraine reporting 469 violations including air raids, drone strikes, and artillery shelling.

Ukrainian officials reported that Russian operations resulted in at least four fatalities and dozens of injuries. In response, Ukraine launched drone attacks that reportedly ignited a fire at an oil storage facility in southern Russia. Despite the renewed hostilities, both countries carried out a limited humanitarian exchange, with each side releasing 175 prisoners of war and 14 civilians.

The collapse underscores the deep diplomatic deadlock, with Ukraine willing to consider freezing the conflict along existing frontlines while Russia insists on full control of the Donetsk region. With hundreds of thousands of casualties and millions displaced, the conflict remains the most deadly war in Europe since WWII, with Russia currently holding just over 19% of Ukrainian territory after its initial rapid advances slowed significantly since late 2025.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/12/russia-ukraine-easter-ceasefire-collapses/