Putin calls for Easter truce amid skepticism and doubts
Vladimir Putin proposed an "Easter truce" to be in effect for the next few days. He expects similar actions from Ukraine. "Why for 30 hours and not an unconditional ceasefire, as proposed by partners since March 11?" asks Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Anti-Disinformation Centre in Ukraine.
What do you need to know?
- Vladimir Putin proposed an "Easter truce" for the next two days.
- The Russian leader also demands a similar move from the Ukrainians.
- Ukrainian official Andriy Kovalenko asks why Putin doesn't agree to a long-term ceasefire proposed since March.
During a meeting with the military command at the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire for the Easter holidays.
- Guided by humanitarian considerations, today from 6 p.m. to 00 a.m. from Sunday to Monday, the Russian side announces an Easter truce - Putin said.
He added that he expects a similar move from Kyiv. He also noted that the Russian military would remain ready in case of "provocations."
Ukrainians: Why not an unconditional ceasefire?
"And why for 30 hours and not an unconditional ceasefire, as proposed by partners since March 11?" wrote Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Anti-Disinformation Centre at the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, on Telegram.
This is not the first time Putin has proposed a holiday truce. In January 2023, he announced a ceasefire for Orthodox Christmas. The Russians did not stop the shelling, which led to civilian casualties.
Since March, Americans have proposed a 30-day ceasefire to both sides. Ukraine agreed, provided the Russians also want an agreement. However, Moscow is critical, and Russia's permanent representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, stated that under current conditions, a ceasefire is "unrealistic."
