Putin's Easter truce: A diplomatic chess move or mere facade?
The Easter truce announced by Vladimir Putin stirs controversy. Germany’s "Tagesspiegel" suggests that it is merely a political game. The Russian leader aims to strike Ukraine while making a move that might please U.S. President Donald Trump.
What do you need to know?
- Easter truce: Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral truce for the occasion of Easter, intended to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.
- International reactions: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was skeptical of this proposal. It quickly became evident that Putin's declaration was not reflected in practice—the shelling did not stop.
- Experts’ comments: Carlo Masala from the Bundeswehr University believes that the truce is a "bait" for Trump, intended to signal a willingness to end the war.
Is the Easter truce a trap for Ukraine?
The German newspaper "Tagesspiegel" comments that the Easter truce announced by Vladimir Putin is not just a gesture towards Donald Trump but also a potential trap for Ukraine. Daniel Krause, the author of the commentary, recalls that Putin previously rejected the American proposal for a 30-day unconditional truce, which increased pressure from Washington. Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of thwarting proposals to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.
What are the international reactions to Putin's truce?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed skepticism about the Russian truce proposal. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, who publicly shows his dissatisfaction with Putin's stance and his lack of acceptance of the American truce offer, denied that Russia is playing a "double game" with him.
Trump emphasized that no one would "be playing him." A commentator from "Tagesspiegel" notes that Putin's unilateral truce may now be an attempt to show Americans who the villain is in this conflict.
Is the truce bait for Trump?
Carlo Masala, a defense expert from the Bundeswehr University, believes that Putin's truce is "bait" for Trump. In a conversation with "Die Zeit," Masala explains that this is symbolic politics, aimed at signaling to the American side an interest in ending the war.
The expert highlights that Putin's announcement corresponds to known Russian tactics. It relies on using provocations and symbolic gestures intended to suggest accommodation to the other side. However, they diverge from actual actions.
