Several explosions struck Russian-controlled Donetsk in eastern Ukraine on Sunday, despite a one-day Easter ceasefire declared by the Kremlin, Russian state media reported.
According to TASS news agency, citing local emergency services, at least three blasts were heard in the city, which has remained under Russian control since 2014. RIA Novosti also reported hearing at least three explosions shortly after 9:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT), based on accounts from its correspondent on the ground.
The cause of the explosions remains unclear, and Reuters noted it could not independently verify the battlefield reports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced a surprise 24-hour ceasefire on Saturday to coincide with Orthodox Easter celebrations. However, Ukrainian officials accused Russian forces of continuing artillery fire, dismissing the ceasefire as insincere and urging instead for a genuine and extended halt to hostilities.
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
