Putin's Easter truce: Political maneuver or genuine offer?
The Easter truce announced by Vladimir Putin has stirred up controversy. Germany’s "Tagesspiegel" suggests it is merely a political game. The Russian leader aims to strike Ukraine while making a move that might appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump.
What do you need to know?
- Easter truce: Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral truce for Easter. Its purpose is to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.
- International reactions: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was sceptical about this proposal. It soon became clear that Putin's declaration was not observed in practice - the shelling continued.
- Experts’ comments: Carlo Masala from the Bundeswehr University asserts 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 merely 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, increasing 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 scepticism 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 emphasised that no one will be "playing him." A commentator from "Tagesspiegel" notes that Putin's unilateral truce may now be an attempt to demonstrate to Americans who the villain is in this conflict.
Is the truce bait for Trump?
Carlo Masala, a defence 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 signalling to the American side an interest in ending the war.
The expert highlights that Putin's announcement corresponds to familiar Russian tactics. It relies on using provocations and symbolic gestures intended to suggest compromise to the other side. However, these gestures differ from actual actions.
