A 32-hour Orthodox Easter ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin fractured almost immediately, with both Moscow and Kyiv accusing each other of hundreds of violations. Against this backdrop, the two sides completed a prisoner swap mediated by the United Arab Emirates.
Prisoner Exchange
Russia and Ukraine each returned 175 servicemen in the swap, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The UAE facilitated the exchange, continuing its role as a key intermediary in prisoner transfers between the two countries.
The exchange took place during the nominal Easter ceasefire period.
Ceasefire Violations
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that 1,971 violations of the Easter ceasefire by Ukrainian Armed Forces units were recorded between 16:00 on April 11 and 08:00 on April 12.
Ukraine leveled its own accusations. Ukrainian officer Serhiy Kolesnichenko of the 148th Artillery Brigade reported Russian drone strikes at the intersection of Donetsk, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Guided aerial bombs struck central Kramatorsk. Drone attacks on Odesa killed at least two people shortly before the truce began, according to Ukrainian officials.
Su-57 Production Fire
A fire broke out at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant (KnAAZ) in Russia’s Far East, specifically in Shop 46 where polymer composite components for the Su-57 stealth fighter are manufactured. The cause remains unclear and it is unknown whether production will be disrupted. The KnAAZ facility is Russia’s only production line for the Su-57, its fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Both Sides Regroup
Military analysts report that both Russian and Ukrainian forces conducted an unprecedented regrouping during the ceasefire period. Observers expect hostilities to resume with fierce intensity once the truce expires, with April 13 cited as a likely flashpoint.
Zelensky called on Russia to extend the ceasefire beyond the holiday period, saying the proposal had been communicated to Moscow. He emphasized that Ukraine would respond symmetrically while every unit retains the right to respond to attacks.
This article incorporates reporting from the Russian Ministry of Defense, Ukrainian military officials, and open-source intelligence.
