Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his forces would observe a surprise Easter truce announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin that is set to last until midnight tomorrow, even as air-raid sirens sounded in Kyiv.

Russia and Ukraine blamed each other for breaking a one-day Easter ceasefire announced by President Vladimir Putin, with both sides accusing the other of carrying out hundreds of attacks.

Pope Francis has greeted crowds gathered in St Peter's Square, wishing them a "Happy Easter", despite the 88-year-old's frail health that has kept him from most Holy Week events.

April 20 (UPI) -- Pope Francis, who is still recovering from treatment for bilateral pneumonia, greeted crowds gathered in a tulip-filled St Peter's Square for Easter Sunday before his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" speech, which called for global disarmament and the end to conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and South Sudan.

MOSCOW/KYIV >> Russia and Ukraine blamed each other on Sunday for breaking a one-day Easter ceasefire declared by President Vladimir Putin, with both sides accusing the other of hundreds of attacks and the Kremlin saying there was no order for a ceasefire extension.

Pope Francis appeared on Easter Sunday to bless the faithful in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City; earlier in the day he met with VP J.D. Vance.

Kyiv: Following President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a 30-hour ceasefire in observance of Easter, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Moscow is pretending to keep to an Easter ceasefire, while still carrying out assaults at the frontline. Meanwhile, the two sides have carried out a new prisoner swap. DW has more.

It is the 88-year-old pontiff's first significant public appearance since he left hospital, where he was treated for double pneumonia.

Pope Francis, on Easter, appealed for an end to conflicts, particularly in Gaza. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine traded accusations of violating an Easter truce.