Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that Ukrainian forces committed 1,971 violations during the ceasefire, including artillery fire, tank attacks and more than a thousand drone strikes. It also accused Kiev of attempting several advances on the front, all of which it said were thwarted. Ukraine, in turn, reported even higher figures, saying it had recorded 2,299 violations, including dozens of strike operations, hundreds of shellings and widespread drone activity.Despite the allegations, there were signs of limited peace. Ukrainian officials said there were no long-range missile attacks or large-scale aerial bombardments during the ceasefire, a notable change from the almost daily barrages seen in recent months. In some parts of the front, soldiers described conditions as relatively calm, allowing some to attend Easter services in rare moments away from the battle.Nevertheless, Ukrainian officials said Russian drone attacks continued in several sectors, even where artillery fire had reduced. Kiev said it was responding proportionately, matching “silence with silence and fire with fire”.The ceasefire was followed by a renewed ceasefire but diplomatic efforts have stalled, including US-backed talks that have failed to produce any breakthroughs. While the Kremlin described the ceasefire as a step toward a comprehensive solution, it reiterated its long-term demands, particularly on the region, which are unacceptable to Ukraine.The deadly surge was followed by a brief pause. Civilians were killed in cities including Odessa and Kherson in Russian drone attacks just hours before the ceasefire was to begin, while both sides reported intercepting large numbers of incoming drones overnight.