By Burnett Munthali
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of creating a misleading image of peace by announcing a ceasefire while still carrying out military operations in parts of Ukraine.
Speaking in a televised address, Zelensky expressed his deep concern over what he described as a calculated attempt by Moscow to deceive the international community.
He said Russia’s announcement of a ceasefire was more of a public relations maneuver rather than a genuine effort to stop the bloodshed and destruction in Ukraine.
According to Zelensky, while Russian officials claim to be observing a temporary halt in fighting, their forces continue to launch attacks in several regions.
The Ukrainian president cited ongoing shelling in eastern and southern Ukraine, noting that these acts contradict the spirit and intention of a true ceasefire.
He emphasized that genuine peace cannot coexist with simultaneous acts of violence, especially when civilians remain at risk.
Zelensky urged the international community not to be misled by Russia’s narrative and to pay closer attention to what is happening on the ground.
He said the difference between words and actions is vast, and it is the actions—particularly those that result in death and destruction—that must be judged.
The Ukrainian leader described the so-called ceasefire as a “performance,” orchestrated to create the illusion of responsibility and restraint.
He warned that while the world is being shown one picture, the reality on the ground in Ukraine is far more brutal and unforgiving.
Zelensky went on to say that any genuine efforts toward peace must begin with full transparency and accountability from both sides, particularly from Russia, which he says has broken ceasefire promises in the past.
He further stated that Ukraine remains committed to the pursuit of peace but will not compromise its sovereignty or security in the face of what he termed “staged diplomacy.”
The president appealed to allies and international organizations to continue supporting Ukraine not only with words but with actions that will help protect Ukrainian lives and defend the country’s territorial integrity.
He also called for increased humanitarian assistance in areas still under attack, highlighting the dire situation of families trapped by ongoing Russian bombardments.
Zelensky’s remarks come at a time when millions of Ukrainians are marking Easter, a period traditionally associated with peace and renewal.
He acknowledged the spiritual significance of the season but said true Easter blessings can only come when aggression ceases and lives are no longer in peril.
His comments have sparked a renewed wave of global discussion around Russia’s military strategies and their consistency with international humanitarian norms.
Many international observers have echoed Zelensky’s sentiments, noting that Russia has previously used religious or diplomatic occasions to make ceasefire announcements that were not fully upheld.
In response to Zelensky’s speech, human rights groups have called for independent monitoring of the ceasefire to verify whether violations are taking place.
They argue that only through rigorous observation and reporting can the international community hold violators accountable and ensure civilian safety.
As the war continues to rage into its third year, Zelensky’s message underscores Ukraine’s call for honest dialogue, authentic peace efforts, and unwavering global solidarity.
He closed his speech with a message of resilience, telling Ukrainians that truth and justice will ultimately prevail over deception and violence.