Putin proposes Easter truce amid skepticism from Ukraine
Vladimir Putin has proposed an "Easter truce" to take effect over the next few days, with an expectation of similar actions from Ukraine. "Why for 30 hours and not an unconditional ceasefire, as partners have proposed since 11th March?" asks Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Anti-Disinformation Centre in Ukraine.
What you need to know
- Vladimir Putin has proposed an "Easter truce" for the next two days.
- The Russian leader also demands a similar gesture from the Ukrainians.
- Ukrainian official Andriy Kovalenko questions why Putin doesn't agree to a long-term ceasefire that has been proposed since March.
During a meeting with military leaders 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 reciprocal move from Kyiv and noted that the Russian military would remain prepared in case of "provocations."
Ukrainians: Why not an unconditional ceasefire?
“And why for 30 hours and not an unconditional ceasefire, as partners have proposed since 11th March?” 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 instance where Putin has suggested a holiday truce. In January 2023, he announced a ceasefire for Orthodox Christmas. However, the Russians continued shelling, resulting in civilian casualties.
Since March, the Americans have proposed a 30-day ceasefire to both sides. Ukraine agreed, provided the Russians also commit to the agreement. Moscow remains sceptical, and Russia's permanent representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, stated that a ceasefire is "unrealistic" under current conditions.
