Russia’s so-called “Easter truce” was shattered by a surge of intense violence on April 19, with 107 combat engagements recorded across the frontlines in Ukraine. The Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the highest number of attacks in recent weeks, with Russian forces launching an onslaught involving drones, artillery, and guided bombs.
According to the evening report of Ukraine’s General Staff, over 4500 shelling incidents were registered throughout the day. The most ferocious assault took place in the Pokrovsk direction, where Russian troops mounted 36 attacks and suffered heavy losses, including 165 personnel.
The full-scale offensive also included 95 airstrikes and the deployment of 155 guided aerial bombs. Russian forces used 1096 kamikaze drones and hit civilian and military positions with 4627 separate shelling attacks.
Combat Activity Overview (April 19)
| Type of Engagement | Number |
|---|---|
| Total combat engagements | 107 |
| Airstrikes | 95 |
| Guided aerial bombs used | 155 |
| Kamikaze drones | 1096 |
| Artillery and missile shellings | 4627 |
The Pokrovsk direction accounted for one-third of the day’s battles. Ukrainian defenders inflicted serious damage on enemy forces and destroyed a range of equipment used by the Russian military.
Russian Losses in Pokrovsk Direction
| Asset / Personnel | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Russian personnel eliminated | 165 (91 irretrievable) |
| Satellite communication terminals | 3 destroyed, 1 damaged |
| Military vehicles | 10 destroyed, 1 damaged |
| Motorcycles | 3 |
| Generators | 2 |
| UAV control points | 1 |
Fighting was reported across nearly every axis. Ukrainian positions near Vovchansk and Mala Shapkivka in Kharkiv came under attack, and seven assaults were recorded in the Kupiansk area. In the Lyman direction, there were 14 enemy attempts to break through Ukrainian lines.
In Siversk, two enemy attacks were repelled. Chasiv Yar, Stupochky, and Kurdyumivka came under pressure in the Kramatorsk direction, while Ukrainian troops held firm during 18 battles in and around Toretsk.
In the Novopavlivka direction, Russian troops tried to advance near Pryvilne, Novosilka, and Kostiantynopil, but were repelled in all ten attempts. Huliaipole, Zaliznychne, and Novodarivka suffered airstrikes.
Orikhiv saw three failed enemy offensives, while nearby settlements including Lukianivske and Stepnohirsk were bombed from the air. The Prydniprovske axis remained relatively quiet on the ground but saw repeated aerial assaults.
Regional Attacks and Engagements
| Region | Key Engagements |
|---|---|
| Kharkiv | 2 attacks (Vovchansk, Mala Shapkivka) |
| Kupiansk | 7 attacks (Zahryzove, Kindrashivka, etc.) |
| Lyman | 14 attacks (Novomykhailivka, Torske, etc.) |
| Siversk | 2 assaults (Verkhnokamyanske) |
| Kramatorsk | 7 attacks (Chasiv Yar, Kurdyumivka) |
| Toretsk | 18 engagements (Toretsk, Druzhba, Dyliivka) |
| Pokrovsk | 36 attacks, 165 enemy losses |
| Novopavlivka | 10 attacks repelled |
| Huliaipole | Airstrikes on 4 settlements |
| Orikhiv | 3 attacks repelled + airstrikes |
| Prydniprovske | No ground attacks, continued air bombardment |
| Kursk Oblast | 18 attacks repelled + 328 shellings |
In Kursk Oblast, Ukraine’s forces repelled 18 separate attacks, survived 15 airstrikes using 25 guided bombs, and endured 328 artillery shellings, including salvos from multiple rocket launchers.
Despite all this, Moscow had claimed just hours earlier that it would honour an “Easter truce.” During a meeting in the Kremlin with military chief Valery Gerasimov, Russian leader Vladimir Putin made public statements about a pause in fighting for religious observance.
However, Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council and President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the truce was not observed by Russian forces. In response, Ukrainian troops, who had initially been ordered to hold fire, were authorised to resume defensive operations.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation, stated that Russia had once again used misinformation to manipulate global opinion while continuing attacks on civilians and frontlines.
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